Charity bowls day to fundraise for local firefighters

(L-R) Torquay Bowls Club president Joe Issell, Champion Blinds managing director Craig Smith, and Lions Club of Torquay president Brian Keane. Photo: ABBY PARDEW

AN ANNUAL charity bowls day named in honour of a former Torquay Lion will raise funds for two local fire brigades.

The Billy Ryan Charity Bowls Day, which has been held each year since 2016, will again be held at the Torquay Bowls Club on April 5, with all funds raised from the day to go towards the Torquay Fire Brigade and Bellbrae Fire Brigade.

“Our Bowls Charity Day has raised just under $48,000 for our local community,” Lions Club of Torquay president Brian Keane said.

“It’s been an annual event since 2016, although we lost 2021 due to COVID. We raised $4,000 for Foundation 61, $10,000 for the Licola Children’s Camp, $7,000 for Surf Coast Secondary College, $8,400 for the CFA, $7,500 for the Torquay SES, and over $11,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital for Good Friday.

“This year, we’re getting close to the kitty, raising $50,000 over eight years. It now looks like we’ll go well over this.”

Mr Keane said the funds raised will be crucial to the two local brigades, given the impact CFA volunteers have on community safety. Funds will be specifically allocated to new equipment and kit wear.

The Lions Club has officially invited bowlers from Torquay, Geelong, Anglesea, and Ocean Grove to be a part of the event.

To win, a team must play through three rounds of 10 ends, with four players on each team. The prize money of $1,000 will be shared among the winning players.

Local Lions will host a series of raffles and a silent auction during the lunch break period to raise extra funds.

Billy Ryan passed away in July, 2022 and was an committed member of the local Lions Club, as well as an avid bowler.

“We are grateful to have long term major sponsors Champion Blinds on board this year,” Mr Keane said.

Torquay Fire Brigade captain Murray Middleton and Bellbrae Fire Brigade captain Aaron Systema have also agreed to speak to bowlers about their respective brigades on the day.

Anyone interested in attending the Billy Ryan Charity Bowls Day can do so by phoning event chair Bob Tyler on 0417 142 156 or by emailing [email protected]