BY Lotte Reiter

Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham branch is en route to seal a $100,000-donation goal for Wimmera cancer patients with its annual ‘Woolworth’s Month’ fundraiser. 

The foundation branch, in recognition of the contribution and sacrifice of Victorian police officers, is partnering with Woolworths Horsham during September to run barbecue and bake sale events.

The month-long fundraiser, which officially kicked off on Saturday, will contribute to a growing three-year donation to Wimmera Cancer Centre.

President Geoff Lord said Horsham branch had been raising money across the Wimmera for about 12 years, with Woolworths participating in its fundraising effort for about five years.

He said committee fundraising and community support had helped raise money for regional-health care groups, hospitals and facility equipment.

“The Horsham branch has a longstanding relationship with Woolworths, helping to raise money that goes directly towards Wimmera Health Care Group,” he said. “We set a target to raise $100,000 across the past three years for Wimmera Cancer Centre, and we’re on our way to achieving that.

“This month, Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham branch committee will run a number of barbecues and bake sale events at Woolworths to help us reach that goal.” Woolworths Horsham manager Danny Hamerston said the biggest fundraising event of the month would be a combined barbecue and bake sale on September 21.

He said it was great that people were always willing to participate in and donate to the fundraiser, which was likely because they knew all money raised would be distributed back into their community.

“We raised just under $2000 in the lead up to September, so we’ve got a bit of a head start, and every dollar raised stays here,” he said.

“I think that’s the biggest thing for the community, they know it’s going to stay in the area.”

Blue Ribbon Day, which celebrates police officers’ service and protection of their community and commemorates officers killed while on duty, will be on September 29.

Wimmera Superintendent Paul Margetts said because the annual commemoration coincided with the 2019 Australian Football League grand final this year, Horsham would move its service to October 1.

He said many Wimmera police members would be recipients of divisional-level commendations and medals for long-standing conduct and service with Victoria Police on the day.

“We have members who are in excess of 35 years, some who are up towards 40 years of service,” he said.

“It’s an outstanding effort and they are great contributors to our community.”

The next Blue Ribbon Foundation fundraiser at Woolworths Horsham will be from 9.30am on Saturday.

The Weekly Advertiser and radio stations 3WM and MIXX FM are major sponsors of Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham.

The entire September 11, 2019 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!