Community & Business
6 September, 2023
Big shed trip raised $100k
Members of The Pittsworth & District Men’s Shed have returned home after an epic trip by road to Yarrawonga in Victoria and then a 600 kilometre trip on the mighty Murray River to Swan Hill.
A river crew of four supported by a dozen strong land crew departed Pittsworth on August 2 and after a five-day trip down the Murray arrived in Swan Hill on August 11.
The trip was not without its challenges; the crew were forced to undertake repairs on the first night after hitting a snag not long after departing Yarrawonga however they managed to limp into Cobram to effect repairs.
Acting on local advice, a section of river known as ‘The Narrows’ in the Barmah State Forest was avoided due to safety concerns.
The crew arrived safely in Swan Hill to be met by the Mayor Les McPhee and a crowd of wellwishers.
The trip was undertaken to raise funds and awareness of It’s a Bloke Thing (IABT)and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Ruth Logan, an education facilitator with IABT travelled with the crew as they called at Men’s Sheds and Rotary Clubs along the way.
More than $50,000 was raised, which attracts a dollar-for-dollar subsidy resulting in more than $100,000 raised in total for this important cause.
A spokesman for the Pittsworth Shed, Merv Hinneberg spoke highly of the crew and partners who travelled with the raft.
“We also appreciate the support of the wonderful donors and sponsors who enabled this trip to take place” he said.
Mr Hinneberg thanked the members of over 14 Sheds that were visited along the way as well as Rotary Clubs, Local Government and the many committees that assisted in fundraising.
Pittsworth & District Men’s Shed will continue to raise funds for this organisation as their charity of choice.
Donations can be made to Pittsworth & District Men’s Shed Heritage Bank account BSB 638-070 ACC 13325485.
