Our stories

Recently one of our fabulous citizen fundraisers Ryan got together a group of Bathurst rugby playing friends and acquaintances for a fun day and a good cause to play in the Annual Orange City Invitational 10s competition.

Kitted out in the SHINE purple and yellow, the team joined other altruistic rugby teams from across the state for a great day out and even made the finals before being knocked out by the winning team.

But SHINE’s kids are the real winners here with Ryan contributing so much of his time to raise funds for us over the past three years.

Raffles, meat trays, Bunnings BBQs and rugby events are all part and parcel for Ryan who despite working full time, donates his energy regularly to help raise funds for SHINE.

He says that with just a little effort, the money he raises can make a big difference.

Having seen his local SHINE Child and Family Centre, Ryan was inspired to give back and see the money he raises “end up in these rooms”.

He wants the kids who visit them to have the support of our teams and new toys, activities and equipment to help them through the “daunting experience of seeing a family member in prison”.

Ryan loves to give back and is motivated by knowing he’s helping people who really need it. He says the rugby community has always been generous and that when he explains he’s fundraising for SHINE, “no one has said no to me yet”.

Thank you Ryan, we are moved by the time you put in to support kids going through a hard time and are very grateful for everything you’ve done for SHINE.

We will “keep up the hard work this year”!

Thank you to sponsors and supporters:

Bathurst RSL

Devro pty

One Agency Bestwick Real estate

Mitchell Rugby Club