Hoops showdown for Indian aid

A CHARITY basketball scratch match featuring local identities and raising money for COVID-affected India will be played out at the Ballarat Sports and Events Centre next week.

All funds raised will go directly to CARE Australia, which has been working with the Indian government to set up temporary hospitals with supplies of oxygen, medical staff, medication and PPE kits following the nation’s crippling COVID-19 outbreak.

Organiser Bobby Mehta said the idea for the fundraiser came from a desire to “just do what we can.”

“It was devastating to see what was happening in India,” he said.

“It was heartbreaking, and thinking more so as a parent than anything else, when you hear about all of these kids being orphaned, that’s what really prompted us into helping.

“I think appeals like this, sometimes once the initial attention dies down a bit, these people, that’s when they really need that support.

“So even when it stops appearing in the news, on the front page and on the radio, we’ve still got something that’s going to help those people. CARE Australia has been fantastic in providing that outlet.”

In May this year Mr Mentha was part of a team that set about rising funds for those in India impacted by COVID-19.

When setting up this new event he said it was only able to go ahead thanks to the assistance of both Mars Wrigley and a raft of local businesses.

“They’ve been outstanding with the support we’ve had from them,” Mr Mentha said. “We’ve had businesses big and small who’ve helped us out, it’s just been so heart-warming to see.

“It’s just going to be fun. We’ve got a number of local celebs playing and a few locals involved as well, plus a bunch of freebies to give away. Tickets are only $5 too, which is an absolute bargain!”

The MARS Wrigley Ballarat Jam 2021 will take place at Ballarat Sports and Events Centre on Sunday, 15 August.

For more information visit bit.ly/3rPxQtX.