One man’s trash is another man’s stadium.
That is, according to Shepparton-based company FOOTT and the Greater Shepparton Basketball Association’s latest campaign to raise funds for a new basketball stadium in Shepparton.
Now, when community members recycle their cans and bottles, they are encouraged to donate the money to GSBA rather than receive a refund.
“When the container deposit scheme was established, we thought this was a practical way to support our sport,” GSBA president Peter Sutherland said.
“One hundred per cent of the funds raised will go towards our infrastructure improvement program.”
FOOTT owners Peter and Jenny Foott said these initiatives were what they envisaged with the hugely successful CDS strategy.
“We’ve been involved in sporting and community clubs our whole lives, and we know how hard it is to raise funds,” Mr Foott said.
“The CDS is a great way to financially help clubs and community organisations.”
With basketball’s popularity surging in the Goulburn Valley, the push for a new stadium is also gaining momentum.
However, the campaign has yet to reach its financial pinnacle.
Mr Sutherland believes this initiative will demonstrate to all levels of government the community’s commitment to getting more courts in Shepparton.
“Funding for a new stadium will come from local, state and federal governments; however, they all want to see local dollars being contributed as this demonstrates that it is a community priority,” he said.
So far, GSBA has invested $10,000, paving the way for local jersey-wearing giants to play in a state-of-the-art stadium.
GSBA is also exploring other fundraising efforts, such as teaming up with the Australian Sports Foundation to offer tax-deductible donations for the stadium.
“This will go live shortly and is something we will promote in the lead-up to the end of the financial year,” Mr Sutherland said.
“Rather than give your money to the tax office, how about a new stadium instead?”
How to turn your recycling refund into funding for a new basketball stadium:
Download the CDS app from your app store.
Click on the donations button, search for ‘Greater Shepparton Basketball Association’, and select it from the list.
A barcode will appear, which FOOTT staff will scan to send the money to the GSBA.