Pirates charity match raises much-needed care funds

Funds were raised for the ongoing treatment and care of 7-year-old Millie Taylor Johnson and 1-year-old Archie Roberts.

According to Pirates’ president Andy Colenso it was “a cracking day”, not least because Park Ridge  defeated Kedron 14.15-99-13.15-93.

“We won by a goal, so we’re locked away now and we can start planning for next year,” he said.

“At this stage we’re still counting, but we’ve raised well in excess of $7000.

“The players buying the special match jumpers was part of the initiative; the cake stall made over $800, and we also had a Lions’ jumper donated and signed by all the team, and we got close to $350 on that.”

Mr Colenso said in excess of $3000 in donations had been received from all the club’s community partners. 

“It was pretty touching. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when we were doing the awards. We gave both families a signed jumper on the day as a commemoration,” he said.

“Both kids ran out through the banner and tossed the coin with the opposition.

“Kedron was fantastic after the game. Even though they got beaten and they’re still facing relegation, every player to a man came over and shook hands with the kids. They stuck around and had a beer, so they really bought into the day.

“It just showed there is more to life than footy.”

According to Mr Colenso, the club will now donate the funds equally to the families, and stay in contact to ensure ongoing support is given.

“It just showed as a community what passion and compassion everyone’s got. There’s really good community spirit around even when plenty of people are doing it tough,” he said.

To make a donation go to the Pirates’ Facebook page via facebook.com/parkridgepiratesafc/.