Ben, a much-loved Rover, junior footballer, and this year’s Thirds best and fairest, is currently recovering at Austin Hospital in Melbourne following a serious incident on the river earlier this month.
Surrounded by his family, Ben faces a long road ahead, and the fundraiser aims to ease the burden on him and his loved ones.
Donations can be made at gofund.me/6559ff0bc.
More from Friday’s fundraiser will be in the Pastoral Times Friday edition.
‘Hurricane Nights’ a hit
Cold winds didn’t stop the crowds from pouring into the Mathoura Bowling Club on Saturday night for the sellout ‘Hurricane Nights’ event.
The club’s outdoor area was transformed into a lively hub of country music and community spirit, with families rugged up and ready to enjoy a night of entertainment.
Performance openers Stumbling North kicked things off with a high-energy set that had boots tapping early, while a range of food vans kept everyone warm and well-fed.
The headline act, The Luke Combs Experience, delivered a powerhouse performance that had fans singing along to every hit.
It was especially heartening to see so many young country fans in the crowd, showing that the genre is alive and well in the next generation.
CWA donation drive
With Christmas coming, keep an eye out for the many ways you can support local families doing it tough this festive season.
One is the Country Women’s Association Deniliquin’s Christmas Donation Drive, collecting items for Kindness Kits to support local children in need.
These care packs, filled with essentials and comfort gifts, will be donated to the Department of Communities and Justice.
Donations of new items for kids aged 0–16, including clothes, toys, books, pyjamas, hygiene products, and backpacks, can be dropped off at Uncle Mavis on Cressy St, Wednesday to Saturday, until December 12.
A Christmas raffle is also underway, with all proceeds going towards extra items for the kits. Tickets are available at rafflelink.com.au/cwadenichristmas.