The Deniliquin and district community has thrown its support behind McGrath Foundation fundraiser Prabodh Malhotra as he continues to make his way through the region as part of a mammoth walk.
Arriving in Deniliquin on Saturday morning, Dr Malhotra was greeted by Deniliquin Can Assist volunteers who wanted to wish him well.
And they had a donation to hand over to him as well.
“Earlier this year local artist Fiona Waters created a Ute on the Pole painting. It was auctioned at the Women’s Wellbeing Event hosted by Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee,” Deni Can Assist president Kellie Crossley said.
“It was inspired by the fact that Can Assist would be a charity partner of the Ute Muster, and the agreement was that half the auction result would be donated to Can Assist and the other half would go to the McGrath Foundation.
“Kate Butler won the auction and deposited the full amount to us. So when we heard this walk would be coming through Deniliquin we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to hand over the funds on behalf of Fiona and Kate.”
Dr Malhotra met up with Deniliquin Can Assist volunteers Jenny Fellows and Clare Nolan to accept the donation.
And other community members and Can Assist volunteers have also extended warm greetings to the champion fundraiser, tooting their horns, stopping for photos and even decorating their letter boxes to boost his spirits.
Conargo Public School students and staff also rolled out the welcome mat for Dr Malhotra, who stopped by the school for a quick visit.
He is expected to arrive in Jerilderie today before continuing on via Urana and Lockhart to Wagga and beyond.
Dr Malhotra started his walking journey at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 29 and is expected to cover 1325km before arriving at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3 for the McGrath Foundation’s Pink Test.
His aim is to raise $100,000, and you can contribute by going to https://fundraise.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/fundraisers/prabodhmalhotra/walk-from-mcg-to-scg.