A total of $15,000 has been donated between three charities in the Gunnedah community, accumulated from a new fundraising event.

Gunnedah Charity Rodeo Incorporated held its inaugural event in December last year.

Despite the rodeo being just two weeks before Christmas, the generosity of the community had not faltered.

The organisation was able to present representatives from Beyond Blue, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Can Assist with a cheque of $5000 at the showgrounds.

The introductory event included a raffle featuring prizes from local businesses and sponsorship from many other workplaces and individuals.

Secretary Mick Mcloughlin said the chosen charities do a lot for the community and were the kind “you want to contribute to, but not want to have to use.”

“We have quite a lot of people to thank, we have so many sponsors, because it is rather expensive to run an event of that calibre,” he said.

He commended president Shane Ezzey and his wife Rachel for putting in large amounts of time and personal money to see the event established.

People volunteered their labour, gave donations and their time to ensure it succeeded.

“Especially coming up toward Christmas time, and then the heat that we had, it was a wonder how we were going to go, but financially it was a success,” he said.

“That is the main thing.”

Mick said it was hard yards to organise the event but rewarding for those involved.

“If it saves just one life it is worth it,” he said.

“If we can make a bit of money to donate – it is gratifying, it makes you proud.”

They hope with the event now established, there will be more people to join the committee and efforts.

Charity representatives were appreciative of the gesture.

“We are so grateful to the Gunnedah Charity Rodeo Incorporated,” Can Assist’s Linda Lee said.

“We know they are a small group of people who put this on and for us to benefit from this amount is amazing.”

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Gunnedah Support Group’s Heather Welsh said, “W e are much appreciative of this generous donation to keep the

helicopter flying and saving lives in the local country.”

Vicki Smith accepted the cheque on behalf of Beyond Blue.

She expressed her appreciation to Mick and Shane while stating her gratitude for the amount raised.

Shane Ezzey and Vicki Smith representing Beyond Blue, and Mick Mcloughlin.

Shane Ezzey, Lisa Ross, Ray Knight and Linda Lee representing Can Assist, and Mick Mcloughlin.

To order photos from this page click here