ROTARY Christmas Races at Moruya this Sunday should be a lot of fun for holidaymakers as well as locals and promises a great day’s racing.
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Organisers Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma Rotary Clubs in conjunction with Moruya Jockey Club, hope to raise sufficient funds on the day to enable Moruya Cancer Carers (MCC) to meet its target for assisting Moruya’s new Oncology Unit.
“The day has created a lot of interest and local businesses have been very generous in their sponsorship,” said Rotary spokesman David Ashford.
“More companies and organisations than last year have also booked their Christmas parties at the races, with about 240 people booked for the three-course Christmas lunch provided by local celebrity chef Michael Stokes, and about 250 for marquees to do their own catering.
“The food normally available at the races will also be on sale.”
There will be fashions on the field, raffles and other fundraising activities, and Santa will also drop by with treats for young and old.
Moruya Jockey Club manager Brian Cowden expects Sunday’s races will benefit from the fact that many major race meetings in recent weeks were called off due to rain.
“We’re on track for a really big day’s racing,” Mr Cowden said.
“I’m thrilled too because this is a great community day and we’re seeing lots of people who would not normally go to the races.”
A new Oncology Unit at Moruya Hospital is being incorporated in the construction of the new Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Unit at Moruya Hospital largely because of strong community pressure.
The need for a more spacious and modern Oncology unit was initiated by Ron and Tralee Snape a few years ago and resulted in the formation of Moruya Cancer Carers.
MCC chairman Clr Pollock said Moruya Cancer Carers is close to its target of $150,000.
“Christmas at the Races will help us meet our target and a bit more,” he said.
Clr Pollock said while the new Oncology Unit is being built and equipped by the government, Moruya Cancer Carers will provide the ambience of the new unit and also assist with the unit’s transfer.
All money raised by Rotary will go to Moruya Cancer Carers as well as a percentage of the gate and bar, depending on their performance on the day.