Golf day chips in for over $10k
RUGBY LEAGUE:
Queensland sporting royalty was on hand for a good cause in Toowoomba last week.
The man known as ‘The King’, Wally Lewis was a special guest for the Men of League fundraiser at the Toowoomba Golf Club.
The Maroons legend was joined by fellow former Australian representative Nik Kosef as guest speakers at the event, which helped raised more than $10,000 for the Toowoomba branch of the foundation.
Men of League Foundation Toowoomba region wellbeing officer Andrew O’Brien said despite the persistent threat of rain, the afternoon was well attended.
“It was the third or fourth year in a row that Wally has attended,” O’Brien said.
“He was great to listen to and is a good fella. The interview he did with Paul Reedy was one of his best that I’ve seen.
“He was just so relaxed and it was like he was among friends.
“Nik Kosef was also here as a speaker. “Cracker” John McDonald was on hand as well as a few Brisbane Valleys legends.”
While the golf was won by a team featuring TRL legend Wayne Lindenberg, the focus of the day was the work done by the foundation for those in need.
O’Brien said the funds raised would go to those who need it the most.
“The state manager Andrew Blucher was there and it turned out as one of our really better days,” he said.
“That money goes towards men, women and families in rugby league that have fallen on hard times.
“We’ve distributed over $30,000 over the last 12 months throughout the area, and close to $1m in total.
“That goes to things like medical expenses, and things that really help people out in their time of need.”
Lewis told TRL media that it was an honour for him to be able to throw his support behind the cause.
“The foundation supports plenty of people throughout the community,” he said.
“I think we’re all very happy about the people that benefit best from it.
“The chance to do so and have a good time while doing it make it a good, fun day.”
This continues on the momentum of the region’s foundation, with O’Brien awarded the Johnston Star award for Men of League volunteer of the year.
The honour is named after the late Brett Johnson, son of current Brothers president Pat, who passed away due to cancer.
“Brett was the inaugural recipient of the Men of League in Toowoomba, so it was close to my heart to get that award,” he said.
“Brett’s business sponsored the award, and it is special to be recognised like that.
“I was chairman at the time when it all started, and everything was new to us. You always remember your first couple of cases, and this was special to me.”
To become a member of the Men of League Foundation, head to menofleague.com.