NORTH Queensland clay target shooters have joined together in a fundraising campaign to benefit both the McGrath Foundation and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Normanton Gun Club president Wayne Reeves said members wanted to choose something which is easily identifiable in the community.
“The most easily recognised and well known Cancer Awareness initiative is the Pink Ribbon symbol representing Breast Cancer,” Mr Reeves said.
“We chose the McGrath Foundation because they do some great work providing Breast Care Nurses and most people are familiar with them,” he said.
“We couldn’t leave out the blokes, so we added light blue, which is the colour for prostate cancer, and will be splitting the money we raise between the two foundations.”
The “Pink and Blue Initiative” was launched at the Normanton Gun Club’s annual shoot on May 30-31, with a very healthy $800 kick start.
Neighbouring club Cloncurry hosted their annual shoot a month later and added another $500 through the sale of specially designed pink and blue shirts and pink and blue pens.
“We’re hoping for a sea of pink and blue shirts at our Zone Carnival in Cloncurry at the end of August.
“At this event the shooters will present the donations to representatives from the foundations.
“We’ll keep collecting between now and then, sell a few more shirts, and run a big raffle as well. Our goal for this year, as it’s the first time we’ve done it is $3000, $1500 to each foundation.”
Mr Reeves said many of the club’s members’ lives have been touched by various forms of cancer.
Queensland Cancer Fund statistics show that in the North Queensland and Far Northern Queensland regions breast cancer in women, and prostate cancer in men are the most prevalent.
Club spokesperson Cherie Ryan said North Queensland Clay Target Shooters have undertaken the initiative to raise some funds for worthy charities that are relevant to their member-base and to create some positive publicity for everyone involved.
“The support shown so far has been very encouraging, and we should definitely achieve our goal, and possibly even exceed it,” Ms Ryan said.
“This will give us something to build on for next year,” she said.
“The Pink and Blue Day” will be held at Cloncurry Clay Target Club on Saturday August 29.
Further information can be obtained from Jim Molloy on 0419 775 187, Wayne Reeves on 0428 460 458 or Cherie Ryan on 0418 780 829 or email cherie@purplefairy.net.au
