Costs skim charity

RUN Geelong had become a great event in our city’s calendar.

Not only did it showcase our city, the waterfront and our abundant parks and gardens, it got members of our community outdoors and into activity.

It was a fun event with a great sense of community and unity and the dollars raised went to our life-saving public hospital.

Local company-turnedglobal-corporate-superstar Cotton On backed the event, absorbing the costs of running it and passing on hundreds of thousands of dollars from entrants to our local public hospital.

Last year that figure was $340,000.

But Cotton On has now pulled out of the event saying the event cost it that amount again, or more, in running expenses.

The corporation refuses to detail what expenses made the wonderful event prohibitively expensive to hold.

We say that not out of stickybeak curiosity but because Geelong will always come together for a good local cause.

If the cost of road closures was being passed on to the event-runners we’re sure local authorities could be put upon to waive them.

If the after-race celebrations including nationally recognised singers got too big and costly then surely they could be cut.

Run ambassadors like Cats skipper Joel Selwood would also undoubtedly waive any appearance fees if it meant the continuation of an event that can mean the difference between life and death for the sick and vulnerable of our region.

And this outlet would happily continue to offer in-kind promotions of the event on our platforms as we have in the past.

The fun run to benefit our hospital will be back this November.

Unfortunately, without Cotton On involved, the new company running what it is calling Run For Geelong’s Kids will absorb up to 65 cents in the dollar of some entries.

That’s less money for our sick and needy kids and a real pity for Geelong generally.