Teeing off for Lachie’s Legacy

AN Ambrose golf fundraiser will take place at Mount Xavier Golf Club this weekend, supporting local football access charity Lachie’s Legacy.

On Sunday, 6 February, 160 golfers in teams of four will compete in the inaugural event, raising awareness and funds for the organisation set up in the name of Lachie Poulter.

A passionate 25-year-old Aussie rules athlete and Sydney Swans fan, Lachie collapsed and suddenly died just after he’d been on the field playing for Dunnstown Football Club.

Co-organiser of the Lachie’s Legacy Ambrose Golf Fundraiser Brendan Everard said the public’s response to the event has been “heart-warming.”

“It’s been a fantastic team and community effort to put it together. The amount of people that you connect with that want to help is amazing, especially all the volunteers we have from the Dunnstown Football Netball Club,” he said.

“We’re so grateful to all of our sponsors, including David Mortimer from Mortimer Petroleum, our major sponsor. Getting them on board has given everyone such a lift and positivity.

“The generosity from local businesses who have donated cash or products has been awesome, and there is a lot of support from Ballarat Police, with many of their team members playing in groups.”

All participating golfers will receive a Swans cap, amongst $30 worth of goodies. The Sydney Swans have donated 160 caps to the event, which Mr Everard said has been a very “special” contribution to the “strong legacy” that is Lachie’s.

“The organisation does great things to help disadvantaged families and get young people involved in club sport, so it’s easy to get involved,” he said.

“It’s such a worthy legacy. If you can get kids engaged in club sport, they develop friendships, improve their mental health, are engaged in the community, and can find jobs in the club sport area.”

Lachie’s mum Nola Poulter encourages any players, families, or clubs with spare second-hand footy equipment and uniforms to donate them to the organisation, to support young people who want to play sport, but don’t have the financial means to do so.

Tee-off times for the Lachie’s Legacy Ambrose Golf Fundraiser are 7.30am and 12.30pm. On the day, golfers playing will go in the draw to win a share in $3000 worth of donated prizes.

Keep an eye on facebook.com/lachieslegacy for links to a 10-day eBay auction which opens today, Thursday, 3 February, and includes close to $9000 worth of donated product.

One hundred per cent of registration fees from the golf day will stay with the organisation.