A GOLF round has raised more than $40,000 for students in need in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.
South East Business Networks (SEBN) held the annual Take a Swing for Charity golf day at Sandhurst Club on Monday 23 February.
SEBN manager Sandra George said the event would support a great cause in State Schools’ Relief (SSR).
The charity will use the cash to distribute school uniforms, clothing and shoes to disadvantaged children in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.
Ms George is still calculating the final tally but said it was more than $40,000.
“On top of the auction items, we also raised additional money for 14 uniforms for local students,” she said.
“(Chief executive) Stephen Iles from the State Schools’ Relief gave a really good account of what they provide and I think it really hit the spot with the businesses.”
Mr Iles said bullies often targeted students who didn’t have the right uniform and this could make victims disengage.
He expected demand from the south east to increase 10-fold this year because the Education Maintenance Allowance would no longer be available to parents.
The fund spent $91,500 dressing 1100 students in the three municipalities last year.
Take a Swing for Charity has now raised almost $250,000 for local charities over the past six years.
– Casey Neill