A dedicated group of volunteers has defied the challenges of COVID to raise $20,000 to help develop the next generation of North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, with plans to raise even more in 2022.
The Cowboys Supporters Team are long-term supporters of the club and a familiar presence at home games, selling doubles at Queensland Country Bank Stadium and raffle tickets at Supporters Thursday at the Cowboys Leagues Club.
With traditional fundraising methods made more difficult through restrictions in 2021, the Supporters Team was forced to adapt, including managing the transition to cashless payment.
Despite the obstacles, Cowboys Supporter Team club president Donald Cameron said a core band of members were dedicated to continuing the popular initiative on game day.
“Standing in the hot sun, wearing gloves, learning to use the new EFTPOS machines – it has been a big learning curve for everyone,” he said.
“But like great supporters that they are, everyone pulled together to make it work and we’re extremely proud of our members who volunteer their precious time to sell doubles.
“Many times they miss kick-off or game time due to finalising the selling or changing the correct winning double numbers, and also give up their time on a Thursday night to sell raffle tickets at the Leagues Club.”
The donation will support North Queensland Toyota Cowboys development and academy programs which pave the way for the next generation of Cowboys players.
Players on Development contracts sit outside the club’s top 30 but are eligible to play NRL after Round 10.
The Cowboys Supporters Team’s relationship with the club dates back to 1995, reaching the $750,000 donation mark in 2019.
Mr Cameron said the Supporters Team are looking forward to continuing their work through 2022, hoping to recruit new volunteers and help kick start the careers of young NRL hopefuls.
“It gives our members something to look forward to, seeing these young men come through the club and hopefully becoming an established top 30 player,” he said.
“We can then look back and say we helped him achieve that.”
For more information or to join the team, email cowboysupporterteam@bigpond.com.
