A special Pink Freshman’s day hosted by local equine groups has raised more then $5000 for two local cancer charities.
When members of Benalla’s pony club found out several of its members were fighting cancer they wanted to help.
Pony Club President Tim Ward said they had a talk with the families involved and they were happy for the club to host a fundraiser.
“So we decided we’d start with a show-jumping freshmans event where everyone was dressed up in pink — even some of the horses,” he said.
“Our Pony Club has a Junior Committee and they went to all the businesses in town asking for items to be donated for a raffle.
“We also had lots of members donate horse gear. So we had a big live auction to raise funds.”
Other local equine groups also got involved. Those included the Benalla Adult Riding Club, the Raise the Roof group, and the Big Valley Quarter Horse Association.
Mr Ward said it was a very emotional day.
“We had one of our members Lencia Moll as a guest speaker. Her, and another mum in our club are currently going through treatment for cancer.
“And we had Kerry (Patford) who is the McGrath Nurse stationed in Benalla talk as well.
“The McGrath nurses get fully funded by the McGrath Foundation to assist people living with breast cancer.”
That funding, however, is reliant on donations, and events like this are the reason McGrath nurses are available to care for people when they need it most.
While the final count is still being tallied Mr Ward said the event had already raised more then $5000.
It will be split equally between the McGrath Foundation and the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre.
If you would like to donate to either charity you can find them at www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/ and awcancertrust.org.au/the-cancer-centre/