A shortage of volunteers threatens to cancel Kyneton Football Netball Club’s Track and River Fun Run.
Newly returned club president Karen O’Sullivan expressed concern about the club’s summer fundraiser last week and called on the community to get involved.
“Without people stepping up to get the jobs done, there’s no other option but to cancel,” she said.
“We need fresh faces offering their time to make important fundraisers like the fun run thrive.”
The event typically attracts about 250-300 people each year and raises about $8000 for the club with a small percentage supporting a charity or organisation. In the past it has assisted a local multiple sclerosis support group, Live4Life and The Royal Children’s Hospital.
Assistant U16 coach David Nolte said the event was seen as a way to kick off the new football/netball season and hoped to see it continue.
“It’s a bit of a shame if it doesn’t go ahead – it brings people of ages together to really celebrate the coming season,” he said.
The need for volunteers was aired at the club’s annual general meeting last week which had about 60 people in attendance at the clubrooms – one of the biggest crowds in recent history.
The club’s financials were centre stage with treasurer Clive Fanning outlining in his report the KFNC’s plan to pay back creditors and reduce debt.
Fundraising has reached around $60,000 since the club revealed a debt of $200,000 in August. A surplus budget is forecast and a plan underway to pay back long held debts.
Karen O’Sullivan was re-elected unopposed as president and Rob Waters vice-president.
Nine new people were nominated to sit on the 2019 Executive including local businessman Travis Prendergast, Marg Barry, Malcolm Mckellar, Hayden Walsh, Julie Priestly, Ronald Rutledge, Charlie Bracie, Sherene and Darren Blythe and Senior Footballer Harrison Huntly.
If you would like to help coordinate the 2019 Track and River Fun Run contact Lou Morris 0411 220 146 or email loucarlmorris@optusnet.com.au.
