Community Clubs from across Leeds who raised money through the Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Grand Prize Draw supported by Sol Katmandu and Jet2Holidays have been putting the money to good use this month, funding everything from club kits to rugby equipment to support their club’s junior teams.
The live draw which was made on stage at the Rhinos Challenge event at the weekend has already had an impact on clubs across the region, who have benefited from the 70% cash back offer on tickets sold this year.
The draw saw lucky winner Darren Todd and family win a four-star family holiday to the Sol Katmandu Resort and Park on the Island of Majorca courtesy of Sol Katmandu and Jet2Holidays along with 18 other winners who picked up top prizes in the draw including rugby merchandise, hospitality and hotel and spa days.
Since the draw launched in March, club sellers have helped raise vital funds for their clubs as well as the Leeds Rhinos Foundation with some clubs raising as much as £900, such as West Leeds Ladies seller Donna Torbit who commented:
“Selling tickets for the Grand Prize Draw seemed like an easy simple way to raise cash for the club, especially as the percentage was raised to a 70% split this year we would have been silly not to take part.
“West Leeds ARLFC currently hosts around 12 teams and each were asked if they wanted to take part to raise cash for a specific project, some ideas were to subsidise team bonding events, presentation evenings, the under 12’s and 14’s trip to Newcastle and reducing aftermath club wear costs, so the list is endless for community clubs that rely solely on sponsorship and fundraising.”
The funds raised have been used by the club to provide new kit for players costing around £500, which has been a more than worthwhile purchase for Donna to give something back to the players:
“It’s nice to be able to give back to the players who put their bodies on the line in matches and keep the club growing without having to dig into the much needed funds to keep the club running.
West Leeds also raised £411.60 for the Leeds Rhinos Foundation as part of the draw from 30% of the ticket sales to help support the work of Leeds Rhinos’ official charity in the community.
“We’ll definitely be doing the Grand Prize Draw when it comes around next year again without a doubt, to be able to support our own club and give money back to the Foundation, it is such a simple way to benefit so many people in the city and our club.” said Donna.
Other clubs getting involved in selling tickets this year include North Leeds Leopards who raised £639 for the club and £274 for the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, West Bowling ARLFC, who purchased a new equipment pack worth £150 with their £639 club funds raised and Guiseley Rangers and Shawcross Sharks, who raised £620 and £210 respectively for their club coffers.
Many clubs who raised funds from the draw were able to subsidise part of their Rhinos Challenge experience, including Woolston Rovers under 9s, who helped fund the trip for each of their player’s parents, paying back £75 to every family to cover the cost of the trip.
Limehurst Lions from Oldham also put their Grand Prize Draw money to good use for Rhinos Challenge, purchasing two new club gazebos to provide a base for players and families at the Skegness event.
Beverley Braves under 10s and 11s from Hull were one of the smartest dressed teams at the Rhinos Challenge event putting funds towards club ties and Braves personalised team shirts as well as, Hull Victoria Vikings who also kitted out their junior side with team training gear.
Leeds Rhinos Lottery Agents were also on hand this year to sell Grand Prize Draw tickets raising £785 for the Leeds Rhinos Foundation on match nights to contribute to the overall total of £8,876 raised.
Leeds shopping centres and businesses backed the Leeds Rhinos Foundation by allowing the charity to sell on site. Special thanks to White Rose Centre, Merrion Centre, Morrison’s Kirkstall, The Midnight Bell, Barclays Millshaw, Wellington Place, Broadgate Offices, BT Outreach, St John’s Centre and Riverside.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation would like to thank all individual sellers, club sellers, schools and everybody who bought a ticket for this year’s draw. The money raised will all be reinvested in the Foundation’s community-based projects around Leeds, to help change lives through sport.
For a full list of this year’s prize winners click here