VALUABLE fundraising from the Marong Cup will benefit eight Catholic primary schools in Bendigo.
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St Peters Primary School staff member and volunteer Sherree Jorgensen said she has helped the fundraising at Marong Cup for almost 10 years.
Ms Jorgensen said volunteers start at 7.30am and are there until about 6pm. She estimated about 2500 people went to the race meet.
“It is an important day not only because it raises a lot of money but it brings the schools together,” she said.
“About 300 volunteers from across the eight schools help out on the day and worked in two hour shifts but after that a lot of them stay for the rest of the day and enjoy the rides and activities with their kids.”
The Marong Cup has contributed $495,000 to local schools over the last 11 years.
Ms Jorgensen said as a parent she has seen funds raised by the horse-racing event directly benefit the schools.
“I’ve seen it go into specifically buying things for outdoor areas, playgrounds and equipment,” she said.
“The event is run over a great committee and all the schools are represented.
“This year we had 16 volunteers but we’re one of the smallest catholic primary school (in Bendigo). Bigger schools get a lot more volunteers, some schools had 50 parents and staff helping out.”