Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Sporting clubs play a major role off the field, and one such club is the Lismore Marist Brothers Rams. This weekend members of the Rams are providing their time and labour for a fundraiser for 15-year-old Shari Rose, sister of current player Jacob, who has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Recently, as wheelchair-bound Tait Jenkins wished to see a sunrise from the top of Mount Warning, members of the footy team carried him to the top in darkness. When former player Niko Vakararawa suffered a stroke, the club organised a fundraiser for his family. Grant Cook was playing for Murwillumbah when he died during a match; the Rams donated all match payments and fundraised for his family. Jodie's Inspiration, a local charity—the Rams lend their labour to the annual pink Halloween ball and they have also organised a round of football games in support. They have volunteered to improve Crozier Oval and raised funds for the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service and for Father Peter Karam's children Christmas appeal. In the first Relay for Life they broke the Australian record for distance covered in a 24-hour period, with all funds going to the Cancer Council. To each and every member of the Rams and all other clubs who do likewise, I thank you for what you give to our wider community.

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