Thousands raised for MND Victoria in Natimuk

The Natimuk Field and Game Charity shoot on Sunday, July 13, attracted 150 shooters and raised $40,000 for Motor Neurone Disease.

By Sheryl Lowe

The Natimuk Field and Game Charity shoot attracted 150 shooters from around the region, including Grampians F&G Megan Cooper and Julie Short, to raise much needed funds for Motor Neurone Disease research.

With the theme 'Together we can make a Difference,' all proceeds from shooter fees, canteen sales, the raffle, and a goods and services auction showed a wealth of community spirit with people digging deep to raise money for the MND cause.

President Bill Jorgenson said the day had been a wonderful success and thanked the sponsors, volunteers, and shooters who had come from clubs around the region for taking part.

Horsham Rural City Council mayor Ian Ross said it was heartening to see a strong community support for such a worthy cause.

After a day of shooting, the auction attracted some fierce bidding, from $50 for a pot of honey, $1350 for a Lions signed jersey, $2300 for a day for ten at the club, $1850 for a kilo of silver, and $1200 for a trailer load of wood.

A purebred five-week-old kelpie puppy named Suzy attracted the most attention and raised $1850.

"I just had to have her, I fell in love with her straight away," said new owner Terry Robertson.

Suzy was donated with just one stipulation: she had to go to a farm.

Local businesses and individuals donated more than fifty items for the successful auction.

The NF&G holds regular charity days, with Kids with Cancer receiving $12,000 and the Wiimera Base Hospital receiving $67,000 in 2024 from charity days.

The club was formed 57 years ago and has been upgraded during those years with grants and by donated labour from members and the public.

Club members said the competition was fun and they enjoyed the sport, but the camaraderie and friendship were the most valuable parts of the club.

The sometimes wet and windy conditions didn't deter shooters or spectators who gathered around firepits to warm up during the 75-target day.

Motor neurone disease (MND) is the name for a group of diseases that affect motor nerves - a type of nerve that allows you to move, swallow, talk and breathe.

MND symptoms usually begin as mild weakness in the lower body; they gradually worsen and spread to the upper body, causing paralysis and breathing difficulties.