A group of Bendigo Bank Spirit sponsors is calling on local businesses to help fund the temporary stands needed to stage the grand final at Bendigo Stadium.
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The Spirit has raised about $50,000 of the almost $60,000 it needs to fund the stands thanks to many generous donations.
By wiping out the cost of the stands the Spirit won’t have to dig into any profit generated from hosting the grand final on Sunday – helping to ensure the club’s long-term viabilty.
Season sponsors Luke Drummond Builders, Greg Bickley, McCaig Airconditioning, Power’s Country Express and Bendigo Modern Press have all chipped in nearly $3000 extra for the stands.
“It’s just about trying to support the local girls, most of us have had something to do with someone from within the team,” Luke Drummond said.
“We’re hoping to drive the community to support its national basketball team.”
Ree McCaig hoped the value of having a national team in Bendigo meant the community would get behind the fund-raising effort.
“To have a national league team in Bendigo is fantastic, it would cost a lot of money to go and watch the games in Melbourne if we didn’t have a team here,” she said.
“We want to support it in our backyard.”
Spirit chairman Jeremi Moule said the club would be grateful for any further donations. “There’s still opportunity there for some contributions towards covering that cost,” he said.
“It helps us to maximise the benefit of being able to host the final, which will make a significant contribution to our efforts this year and as we move into next year.” To pledge your financial support for the Spirit contact club administrator Jess Lee on 0427 997 675 or email admin@bendigospirit.com.au