Clubs plan big fundraiser for small town

MODEWARRE’S sporting clubs will band together later this month to hold a T20 fundraiser for the fire-affected town of Buchan in east Gippsland.

All proceeds from the fundraiser, to be held on February 16, will go to Buchan’s football, netball and cricket clubs.

Modewarre Cricket Club president Rob Cameron said he and the other organisers were very passionate about where the proceeds would go.

“The thing that excites us most is that the funds are going directly to a club that is very similar to ours: a small country club.

“Mick (Michael Fitzgerald) should be commended for trying to find a club that we know we can get to straight away.”

Mr Fitzgerald, president of the Modewarre Football and Netball Club, said Buchan was also chosen as the organisers “realised the importance of sports clubs to their Communities”.

The T20 game will be between the football and cricket club, but their sides will also feature some special guests.

Geelong Cats ruckman Rhys Stanley and former Cats forward and Modewarre junior Nathan Ablett (who recently returned to the club to play in the BFL) have been confirmed for the game, with organisers expecting to have some more big names to announce in the coming days.

The match will be the centrepiece to a range of entertainment.

There will be a jumping castle and face painting for kids, food vans, raffles and a live auction, with the shirts from the game also being auctioned off at the end of the match.

The match will be held at Mt Moriac Reserve, 755 Reservoir Road, Mt Moriac.

Festivities will begin at noon, with the match to start at 1pm.