Fundraising to help a friend rebuild
Good friends of the well-known harness racing families, the Burnetts and Misfuds, jumped to a practical solution when devastation hit earlier this month. Bianca and Tara started a fundraising campaign to help with rebuilding and recovery after a fire destroyed the Burnett stables at Mifsud's Grand Lodge in Central Victoria, killing 12 of their horses.
Much of the equipment needed for their busy training operation was also lost in the fire.
“What was ahead was really just too big to think about and myself and another friend Tara Coad thought getting a mycause page up as soon as we could was the best way for people to be able to do something meaningful,” Bianca Walker told HarnessLink.
The families have been part of the harness racing industry for over 50 years. Rita Burnett, herself, has spent 40 years as a trainer and driver.
The harness racing community quickly came together and they raised over $110,000 in under 48hrs.
“We thought if we got $35,000, we’d be doing a good job. We passed that target in just a few hours… It was absolutely incredible,” said Bianca.
The number of donations have been accompanied by extremely generous individual donations of up to $10,000 and many messages of support.
Steven and Julie Duffy wrote “To the family that would give the shirt off their backs. Such devastating news ? ?. May we be able to contribute not only financially but support you all in any way you need.”
Sally McPherson and the Lindberg family worte: “…Stay strong, and always know the small harness community works as one in events such as this xx”
“People have rallied in amazing ways, and I don’t think it will stop here,” said Bianca. “We are overwhelmed with the support for this wonderful family in such a short amount of time.”
See the fundraiser here
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