BENDIGO Harness Racing Club is throwing its support behind a community coat drive.

Racegoers, who make a donation of a jacket or blanket to Bendigo Community Health Services coat drive, will be admitted free to this Friday night’s meeting at Lords Raceway.

The meeting will also serve as a welcome to the club’s new general manager Erik Hendrix, who started with the club on May 1 following 18 years in the golf industry, including the past six at Neangar Park Golf Club.

Hendrix said the coat drive was a great cause and one traditionally supported by the harness racing fraternity.

“I encourage all to bring a jacket or blanket in support of those less fortunate in the community with a cold winter ahead,” he said.

“Community Health do an amazing job with their coat drive every year and as BHRC have been supporter in previous years we wanted to help once again.

People can donate jackets or blankets throughout the week and for those that bring an item on race night will receive free entry.

“I hope to see a strong turnout on the night as not only will this great opportunity to support the Bendigo Community Coat Drive, but a chance to introduce myself to members and guests of the community.”

Gates open at 4pm on Friday, with the first race on a 10-event program at 5.10pm.