Truong’s ‘Longest Day’ to tee off for third year

A WELL-KNOWN member of Portarlington Golf Club is again taking on the Cancer Council’s The Longest Day fundraiser, raising as much money as possible to go towards cancer research, prevention, and support services.

As someone who lost both his father and a brother to cancer at a young age, proud Portarlington resident and Bellarine business owner of Fat Fox Art Gallery, Trung Truong has a personal connection to his annual fundraiser.

“Hopefully I can continue this fundraiser for the next 10 years or longer, it’s a great way to get out and raise funds for a worthwhile cause,” Mr Truong said.

“I know so many friends in the community that have relatives living with or passed away from cancer.

“Every time I find out someone has cancer, it’s like a stab to the heart, because it can happen to everyone, no one can avoid it.

“I’m extremely lucky not to have cancer, but when I think about those who aren’t so lucky, it definitely inspires me to do it each year.”

Now in his third year taking on Cancer Council’s The Longest Day, which involves playing 72 holes from dawn until dusk on December 12 at a local golf club, Mr Truong has raised $8,000 over his first two years – something he is extremely proud of.

“I’m very proud of the efforts I have made the last two years,” he said.

“I moved here to Portarlington seven years ago and with no friends or family here at the time, neither did my wife, but the support from the community of Portarlington since starting this fundraiser has been overwhelming.

“I have received a lot of support and have made a lot of lifelong friends ever since.”

Mr Truong said the community of his local golf club always plays a crucial part in the competition of the event.

He recalled a fellow member of the club playing bagpipes alongside him on the final hole providing a grand finish during last year’s fundraiser.

Play will begin from 6.00am on the morning of December 12 and Mr Truong hopes to conclude at 6.00pm that evening.

Similar to last year, Portarlington Golf Club and its members will provide its own brand of support during the fundraiser, booking out tee times in Mr Truong’s name to allow extra time to complete the 72 holes.

“The club here is very generous, because we are such a small community, we get to know each other very quickly, and I think a lot of people are very willing to contribute to something they all probably have their own connection to,” Mr Truong added.

“From other members of the golf club to the Portarlington Business Development Association, which my art gallery is a part of, to all of my friends and other residents in town, it’s fantastic to see the community pull together.”

To donate to Trung’s The Longest Day fundraiser for 2022, head to www.longestday.org.au/fundraisers/trungtruong/vic