New Innings for Where There’s a Will

THE Where There’s  A Will Foundation are excited to be the charity of choice for the annual Belltrees versus Rouchel charity cricket match this year.

During the past five years $80,000 has been raised at the games and donated to the McGrath Foundation.

Ben McRae, captain of the Belltrees team said they hope this year will be their biggest fundraiser yet.

“There’s not too many people across the Upper Hunter who aren’t aware of the great work being done by the Where there’s a Will Foundation to reduce suicide and to improve the mental health of everyone in our community,” said Mr McRae.

“We’ve always managed to raise some good money at our annual cricket day but I get the feeling that people will be digging a little deeper this year in support of an organisation that is working so hard with our schools, sporting clubs and community organisations to ensure that our kids are resilient and that as adults we know how to help when someone we know is struggling with mental illness,” Ben McRae said.

Pauline Carrigan, founder of the Where There’s A Will Foundation said she encourages people who haven’t been to the match to make the effort this year.

“If you’ve not yet been to a cricket game out at Belltrees it’s certainly worth the trip – it’s an iconic Australian venue and a great day for the family,” said Mrs Carrigan.

“We’re very grateful to be chosen as the nominated charity for the annual grudge match between Belltrees and Rouchel because we know how successful they’ve been in their fundraising in the past and we’d love to see as many people as possible at the game,” she said.

“We’re on a mission to deliver mental health first aid training to as many people across our community as possible, we’ve got teachers lining up to take part in training for positive education and we’ll be ensuring that senior secondary school students are again given an opportunity to participate in the Batyr programme,” Pauline Carrigan said.

• WHEN: 12pm, Saturday, February 18, 2017.
• WHERE: Belltree’s Cricket Ground.
• TRANSPORT: Buses will be available from Scone to Belltrees departing at 11:30am and 1pm from Liverpool Street, opposite the Golden Fleece Hotel and return after the match. Bookings for the bus are needed by Sunday, February 12; simply text Ben McRae on 0429 459 211 or Stephen Clydsdale on 0411 897 042.