COMMUNITY members in Ararat celebrated Footy Colours Day on Thursday with acts of generosity across the town.
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Staff at East Grampians Health Service dressed up in their team colours for a gold coin donation to raise funds for the Fight Cancer Foundation.
Collingwood supporters made a strong show of support and radiology receptionist Maddy Kelly, who coordinated the day, said the atmosphere in the hospital was hopeful.
“There has been a bit of banter in theatre between West Coast and Collingwood – there’s a bit of rivalry,” she said.
“I thought it would be fun experience for the hospital to get involved with and fundraise for the Fight Cancer Foundation,” she said.
Ms Kelly said the Collingwood supporters were hopeful over the Magpies’ first chance at a premiership cup since 2010.
“I hope it’s a tight game but I’m hopeful – I want us to win.
“I think we’ll do it and I’ve heard a rumour West Coast don’t perform well at the MCG,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Ararat Football Netball Club donated its takings from its Over 40 Men’s Health football game on August 5 to Grampians Community Health.
The game aimed to raise awareness around men’s mental and physical health, with bar takings from the day going to the health service.
A cheque for $1654 was presented to the health service’s general manager Kate Astbury.
“The funds from the event will target men’s health,” Ms Astbury said.
“We’re planning to deliver mental health first aid courses into men’s sporting groups and strengthen the resilience of men and the ability of their mates to see it if something is not alright,” she said.
“It’s time we put the mind back into the body. We want people to think about it holistically,” she said.
Club member Scott Turner said it was vital that mental health for men was addressed.
“We say ‘you’ll be right’ but you may not be – we need this information to help,” he said.
Continuing its theme of community outreach, later that day Ararat Football Netball Club passed the footy fever onto children at the Village Early Education Centre when football player Chris Jerram visited.
Mr Jerram took his hand ball target and encouraged children to have a go at learning some football skills.
Organiser Sam Sladdin said the children were “all very excited.”
“The children all ... participated with Chris. We would like to thank Chris for taking the time out of his day to help us celebrate Footy day at the village,” he said.
