COMPETITORS attending Murray Downs Golf and Country Club for this year’s Australian Police Bowls Championship have pitched in to fight poverty in the region.
Before the championship kicked off, the festivities began on April 26, with a charity bowls day raising over $3400 for a charity of their choosing.
For this year’s carnival, the Australian Police Bowling Association selected local Swan Hill charity, A Good Kitchen.
A Good Kitchen opens its doors every Tuesday night, from 5.30pm to 7pm, and offers free meals for anyone who needs one.
The cheque was presented at the black-tie, presentation night for the Police Bowls Championship to Goodie Hiensch, the operator of A Good Kitchen.
Ms. Hiensch said she was surprised by the recognition.
“It came as quite the surprise,” she said. “To find out that these guys actually knew anything about us.”
“It was really nice to have the Australian Police Bowling Association recognise us. It’s brilliant, and I just want to thank them for helping make a difference in our community.
“The only way we are able to make it work, is for everyone to pitch in and help out with something.”
For the past five years, A Good Kitchen has taken up the fight against hunger and poverty, giving those in need a place to get a feed, and have a chat.
“I know it’s only a two-course meal.” Ms. Hiensch said. “But it’s also about the socialising aspect as well. For a lot of people, it can be the only chance they really have to have to talk to other people.”
“It’s a bittersweet pill, because we wouldn’t be necessary if we didn’t have vulnerable people. But at the same time, it’s a great thing to be able to be there for those that do need us.
Murray Downs Bowls Club President Garry McCaig said the club was always looking for ways to assist local causes.
“We try to support them, and other charities as much as we can,” he said. “We had 42 teams at our charity day. The police bowlers made up 34 of the teams in attendance, while we provided eight local teams.”
“We were able to raise $3470 for A Good Kitchen, who were absolutely tickled pink with the donation.”
Ms. Hiensch said much of the work done by A Good Kitchen was a result of the generosity of community donations.
“We do have a funding body,” she said. “But it is better for the community to want to give to us. That way people can better understand what their money is used on.”
“We have been open for five years, and we are still gaining support from people who used to have no idea we existed.”
