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Spreading Water Wings for the Red Cross
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November 2004
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Christmas on the Murray is a tradition for nineteen-year-old Robert Schneider. The aspiring Royal Australian Air Force Air Craft Technician has spent the last ten years competing in the Red Cross Herald Sun Murray Marathon which starts on Boxing Day in Yarrawonga.
Robert’s first memory of the Murray Marathon is volunteering when he was merely eight years old. Being part of the ground crew for a relay team meant Robert had a hand in the longest annual canoe race in the world. But more importantly, it also meant contributing to the Australian Red Cross.
'The marathon is perfect for setting a personal goal that will definitely challenge me. Satisfaction comes from working hard towards that goal. But of course, raising money for such a worthy cause is the main incentive' said Robert.
According to Andrew Hilton, Executive Director, Australian Red Cross, Victoria, the Marathon assists individuals on many levels.
'The Marathon offers all types of people the chance to feel good about supporting Red Cross while having really good fun and a challenging sporting experience,' said Mr Hilton.
The camaraderie and sense of team work between the 700 paddlers and some 3,000 ground crew at the Marathon is another driving factor for Robert.
'During the race there is a very supportive environment between paddlers and ground crew of all teams. Finishing then becomes a team effort. As well as all that, we have a great time meeting new people from all over Australia' said Robert.
In 2004, Robert will be competing in his 5th Murray Marathon. This year, Rob has entered a team along with 4 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets. The cadets will be competing in several teams, in the Junior School Relay, Half Marathon and Men’s Open Doubles sections.
This year it is hoped the Marathon will raise $200,000 for the Australian Red Cross, with funds raised supporting local Red Cross activities, such as disaster and emergency services and first aid training.
'The funds raised from this event are crucial to providing services for the local community' said John Powell, Group Manager of Fundraising, Australian Red Cross, Victoria 'The Red Cross would not be able to provide essential services such as disaster support and first aid training in the Yarawonga community without the help of volunteers.'
Each participant in the event is challenged to meet a minimum fundraising requirement. This is achieved through corporate sponsorship, social events and selling raffle tickets in the Murray Marathon Raffle, where the major prize is a car. The 4 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets have joined together in their fundraising efforts. Selling chocolates and raffle tickets, these cadets aim to 'raise lots!'
The Murray Marathon begins on December 27 in Yarrawonga. It is a 404 kilometre paddling event, finishing in Swan Hill just in time for the New Years Eve celebrations.
-ENDS-
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Media contacts:
Lisa Fitzgerald
Marketing & Communications Assistant
Australian Red Cross
Telephone 03 8327 7755
Mobile 0400 696 432
viccomms@redcross.org.au
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