Central Coast based sports clubs that have been crippled by the coronavirus pandemic are being thrown a lifeline by the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) in the form of a dedicated fundraising platform.
The Donate to Sport platform is live on the ASF’s website and has already been taken up by hundreds of sporting clubs and organisations from around the country, including Gosford Sailing Club.
The club was forced to close on March 23 when pandemic restrictions were announced.
Through the platform, a $30,000 fundraiser was launched in the club’s name and has so far raised $11,606.
ASF CEO, Patrick Walker, said as Australia’s national sports charity, the AFS is uniquely able to channel philanthropic funding to community clubs, and that this is a key objective of their newly launched campaign.
“There is a crisis in Australian community sport, which presents a real risk to the physical and mental health of our communities.
“To the general public it may seem like the crisis is coming to an end with mooted openings of community sports clubs across Australia, but there are issues ahead that haven’t been addressed yet.
“Trying to reopen and get members back onto sports fields is where the crisis for grassroots clubs will really start,” said Walker.
“Sports clubs will face issues from loss of income because local sponsors have suffered or because members can’t afford to re-join as they have lost their jobs, and the double whammy of additional costs through having to implement new cleaning and sanitising regimes,” he said.
The campaign is being underpinned by a national survey of community clubs to help quantify additional funding needs and Walker encourages all local clubs and organisations to take part in the survey and to sign up for a Donate to Sport project fundraiser.
“We know there are clubs who need help and we need to hear from them.
“If the ASF doesn’t know you exist, we can’t help you.
“Please take the time to tell us how your club has been impacted and to encourage other community clubs to do the same.
“We will use the information to raise funds and advocate for more support for community clubs,” he said.
To participate in this campaign and ensure your club’s voice is heard, or to find out more, visit:
covid.sportsfoundation.org.au.
The survey is open until June 3.
Information on how to apply to become a Donate to Sport project is available on the ASF’s website.
Source:
Press release, May 21
Darren Saffin, Progressive PR
Website, May 21
Australian Sport Foundation Donate to Sport Profile: Gosford Sailing Club