The Esperance Cup made waves beyond the racetrack this year, with the Esperance-Goldfields Surf Lifesaving Club receiving a significant funding boost to enhance its facilities and equipment.
The local community rallied behind the lifesavers, raising $2235 through car marshalling, donation collections and raffle sales. Racing WA matched the funds raised through its Race Club Community Program, bringing the total to $4470.
Esperance Bay Turf Club Secretary Jennifer Brown said the club values opportunities to collaborate with groups outside of racing.
“We are always looking for ways to engage with local organisations to help us run our events and support the local community,” Jennifer said.
“The Esperance Cup is our biggest and final day of the season. It’s a huge event for Esperance, attracting racegoers from all over and, in turn, supporting local businesses and the wider community through tourism.
“It was fantastic to see the local lifesavers come together again and support the event. Racing WA’s program is an incredibly generous initiative and a fantastic way for local organisations to secure much-needed funding.”
With 44 of WA’s 47 race clubs based in remote and regional communities, Racing and Wagering Western Australia CEO Ian Edwards said the positive effects of the fundraising program have been extensive for community groups and not-for-profits.
“Race clubs play an important role in their communities – both economically and socially – with partnerships like this a prime example of the strong connection race clubs have with their communities,” Ian said.
“Esperance Bay Turf Club chose a very worthy cause for their fundraising and we are pleased to match their efforts.
“Racing WA is committed to making a positive contribution to our State. The Race Club Community Program allows clubs to guide our giving by proposing a local group or charity they believe deserves support and we match the funds raised on special race days.”
Since the program’s inception in 2015, race clubs and Racing WA have jointly raised more than $1 million for charitable organisations and community groups.
