This year’s rotary Club of Sale, Race the Rubeena Community Fun Run has been rescheduled for Sunday March 29.
The annual event which raises much needed funds for the Sale Hospital will now take place in late March to avoid potential smoke issues from the current bush fires in East Gippsland.
“Our original date of February 9th has us a bit nervous that what is a fantastic community event could be compromised due to either poor air quality on the day, or fires closer to home,” said Race Director Gerard Callinan.
“We’re hopeful that by pushing the date back it will give people some confidence that the day will not be affected by the environmental issues we are facing at the moment.”
“The feedback from people thus far has been very supportive and positive with a lot of understanding that the current conditions have forced us into this decision unfortunately. In fact we’ve seen a spike in people entering the event, which is encouraging,” said Gerard.
Once again, the unique event which sees runners and walkers race against the historic water cruiser The Rubeena, will comprise a five kilometre and 10-kilometre event and will raise funds for the Sale Hospital.
Last year the event raised around $10,000 which was used to purchase two ‘crash-carts’ used in cardiac emergencies in the hospital.
“This year we have at least one more crash cart in sight but also a stock-trolley for use with a ventilator. While it sounds rather basic it allows the nurse providing one on one care with a patient on a ventilator to have all the various bits of equipment they might need in one place and within easy reach”.
“Whatever ends up being purchased, entrants can be confident that their efforts on race day will help save lives of people in our community,” added Gerard.
People who may have entered the event who cannot now make the March 29 date will receive a refund if they request it.
“If you have entered the event and you are not able to be with us on March 29, you have three options: One, ask for a refund which we will happily provide, two, gift the entry to a friend to take your place or three, leave the money where it is and see it as a donation to our fundraising effort – once again supporting the Sale Hospital,” concluded Gerard.
Entry to the event can be made at racetherubeena.com.au
Pictured:
Courtney Redaelli, Associate Nurse Unit Manager, CCU, CGH. Margie Lee, Clinical Educator CGH, Gerard Callinan – Rotary Club of Sale, Tom Breakspear – Nurse Unit Manager Emergency Department, with one of the ‘crash carts’ purchased with funds raised at last year’s Race the Rubeena.