It has launched a community funding initiative through the Australian Sports Foundation to improve the club and its equipment stores.
Wish list items include upgrading the cricket wickets, a mini bus to help with travel to away games and to buy new pitch maintenance equipment.
Rhinos secretary/treasurer Brad Todd said the money raised will also help fund the programs designed for junior development.
‘‘Any remaining funds will be kept in a general reserve fund for future upgrades and programs,’’ Mr Todd said.
‘‘Any donations we receive will alleviate the burden on all of our volunteers and families involved either playing with or supporting the club.
‘‘It helps us provide the best facilities we can for both local and regional events.
‘‘It also allows us to attain what we we want to achieve quicker than expected, rather than relying on grant funding if we are successful for the projects we want to complete.
‘‘I have received emails from the Australian Sports Foundation previously and thought this is another avenue the club can use to fundraise.
‘‘Grant funding is now getting harder to attain with the amount of organisations seeking funding.
‘‘It will also make sure the club can continue into the future so kids and adults can continue to play cricket and have an outlet in the summer months.’’
The Deni Rhinos formed in 2013 starting with the Premier team in the Murray Valley Cricket Association, before adding Division One in 2015 after the Deniliquin District Cricket Association disbanded.
In 2017 the Under 14s joined the MVCA and in 2018 the club also added a Division Two side.
‘‘We formed the Rhinos to make sure cricket would continue in the local area,’’ Mr Todd said.
‘‘Most sports have seen a decrease in participation and we also wanted to provide a pathway for those seeking higher honours.
‘‘We have been quite successful since starting in the MVCA with the Premier side making a few grand finals, winning a One Day Premiership, the Under 14s have made back to back Grand Finals and won last year, while Division One has participated in finals.
‘‘The Rhinos also run the Cricket Australia junior programs called Woolworths Blasters and MasterBlasters for those starting out in cricket, and are not quite old enough to play in the Under 14s.’’
To donate to the Rhinos visit https://asf.org.au/projects/deniliquin-rhinos-cricket-club/ click on the yellow donate button and follow the prompts.
‘‘We also have a link within a post on the Deni Rhinos Cricket Club Facebook page,’’ Mr Todd said.
‘‘But for those who don’t have access online they can get in contact with me to sort out how they can donate to the cause.
‘‘Who doesn’t like to get a tax deduction and also help support a local sports club like the Rhinos?’’
For more information contact Mr Todd on 0401174853.
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