A new charity golf day started by a Western Sydney property development company, has raised more than $30,000 for St Vincent de Paul in the Hawkesbury.
Celestino Developments, which is building the Jacaranda master planned community in Glossodia, held its inaugural Charity Golf Day at Richmond Golf Club on October 29 to raise money for the first Vinnies Van for the Hawkesbury.
With raffle prizes valued at more than $20,000, participants were extraordinarily generous in buying ‘lucky tickets’ that raised $30,342.47 for the Vinnies Van.
Matt Scard presenting the cheque for $30,342.47 to Vinnies NSW Chief Executive Yolanda Saiz. Image: Ian Jordan
Vinnies Vans provide free meals, snacks, hot drinks, blankets, toiletries, alongside companionship and referrals to other services.
The Chief Executive of Vinnies NSW, Yolanda Saiz, was on hand to receive the donation and expressed a heartfelt thanks to everyone, including Celestino Chief Executive Matt Scard for establishing the event that will be held annually at Richmond Golf Club.
Ms Saiz said the van will help build relationships with people who might otherwise remain disconnected from services.
Matt Scard, centre, with the winners of the Charity Golf Day, (from left) Stefano Teghini, Scott Gardner, Steve Maidens and Chris La Greca, from IVE Group. Image: Ian Jordan
“For Hawkesbury residents without private transport, travelling to the nearest Vinnies Support Centre in Penrith can be very difficult and a local outreach service will overcome this barrier,” she said.
One the day, 22 teams of four players each, made up of locals and sponsors, enjoyed an early breakfast before play got underway at 8.30am. The four-person Ambrose event was hotly contested, as was the ‘nearest the pins’, ‘longest drive’ and ‘hole-in-one’ prize. Food partner, Pig-Out, run by Joshua Domars and staff, provided the breakfast and a two-course lunch, which was enjoyed by all.
By bringing community members and businesses together, this charity golf day will contribute and strengthen the services to the Hawkesbury community for years to come.
