Like many sporting clubs across the Illawarra and South Coast, Helensburgh Tigers Junior Football Club is totally reliant on the support of their members and the local community to get them on the park each year.
It’s why a cash injection of $2000 courtesy of Greater Bank’s #GreaterIllawarra program is set to make a big difference to the club’s coffers as they head into the 2022 season.
The Tigers took out community funding program’s major prize for January after winning the public vote ahead of Dapto Junior Cricket Club and Missing School Incorporated, who both received $500 as runners-up.
Helensburgh Tigers Secretary Alicia Mingare said it’s challenging running a club in a small community.
“We are a small club and rely almost entirely on local support to pay our way and get our teams onto the field each week,” Alicia said.
“We desperately need to update our facilities and it’s not fair to ask our members and the community to pay for everything, so any other source of funding is extremely welcome.
“The funding from Greater Bank will allow us to prioritise a few projects we have been putting off because of a lack of funds.
“Thank you to Greater Bank for supporting small regional clubs like ours through the community funding program. It makes a big difference to our members and supporters.”
Alicia Mingare, Helensburgh Tigers Secretary
Greater Bank’s Illawarra Regional Sales Manager, Greg Creagan, said junior sport is an important part of many kids’ lives.
“Local sporting clubs provide an important platform that teaches kids the importance of being active and healthy, developing new skills, as well as the simple pleasure of getting out and enjoying time with mates,” Greg said.
“We are proud to be able to support all kinds and sizes of sporting organisations across the Illawarra region through the #GreaterIllawarra program.”
Voting in the February round of the #GreaterIllawarra Community Funding Program is now open until 5.00pm Wednesday, 2 March, 2022, and will again focus on supporting grassroots sport.
Port Kembla Cricket Club, Cringila Lions Football Club and Southern Districts Rugby Club are in the running for a share of $3,000 in monthly funding.
The public can vote online at www.greater.com.au/greaterillawarra.