Annual rugby league lunch to raise vital funds for families in need

THE Family of League is set for its biggest fundraiser of the year, with a star-studded lunch of guest speakers at the Coolangatta Hotel.

The Tweed Gold Coast branch of the foundation will host the event on Friday, 12 June.

Proceeds will help provide financial support to members of the rugby league community facing hardship.

Hosted by Steve ‘Chimes’ Gillis, the event will feature former Canberra Raiders captain Jarrod Croker, premiership-winning Penrith Panthers lock Scott Sattler, Jessica Elliston, David Hosking and Matt Moylan.

Comedian Paul Martell will also entertain guests throughout the afternoon.

Tweed Gold Coast Family of League president Stephen Sim said the organisation had evolved since its beginnings as Men of League, with support now extending far beyond former players.

“More than 70 per cent of the money we disperse now goes to women and children involved in rugby league,” he said.

“That could be a woman who worked in the tuckshop, a secretary at a junior club, or a young kid battling leukaemia.

“We help people in times of economic, medical or emotional hardship.”

All funds raised locally are transferred to the organisation’s head office, where assistance requests are assessed and managed directly.

Sim played for the Parramatta Eels in the 1970s and was previously on the board at North Sydney.

He uses his contacts and wide range of retired rugby league players in the Tweed and Gold Coast area to support the events.

The branch is run entirely by volunteers and raises money through weekly raffles, golf days, bowls events and the annual lunch.

The committee is also encouraging more people to become involved with the organisation, particularly women.

“If someone needs medical treatment or repairs to their home, everything is done properly through quotes and payments go directly to the provider,” Sim said.

“We cleared about $12,000 from our recent golf day, but this lunch is probably our biggest event.

“We’ve got a strong committee, but it’s always good to have more people involved.”

Tickets can be purchased at familyofleague.org.au/whats-on/