He may have narrowly missed out on a welcome jackpot but generous Martin Hallinan had a bigger goal in mind – supporting this year’s 65 Roses Campaign.
The big-hearted owner, breeder and trainer has donated $5,000 to this year’s Campaign, which supports people living with Cystic Fibrosis.
Hallinan decided to donate to the appeal, run by Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) and Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA), if his charge Zipping Willow won the $24,000 Unibet Richmond Oaks final earlier this month.
Even though his dog, trained by Jason Mackay, was narrowly beaten into second place on the night, he was still happy to support the cause.
“I just thought we’ve had a good year with the prizemoney, so let’s help out,” Hallinan, who is based at Clergate, close to ORANGE, said.
“I just thought if we can help on any level, then it was worth doing so.”
Hallinan said he was also convinced to help after hearing Cystic Fibrosis NSW representatives speak at the annual GRNSW awards night earlier this year.
“They were so passionate about what they are trying to achieve,” he said.
“The condition is so bad but they struggle to get funding. We were in a position to help and it’s a pleasure to do so.”
Thirty-three tracks across NSW will again take part in this year’s appeal, conducting their own 65 Roses Race meetings throughout May. Every meeting at Angle Park during May has also been designated as a 65 Roses Race Meeting.
Every time a dog wearing the red rug (number one) jersey has won at a 65 Roses Race meeting, GRNSW or GRSA has donated $250 to Cystic Fibrosis. To date, the Campaign has raised more than $25,000.
Cystic Fibrosis NSW CEO Michele Adair said she was “humbled, shocked and thrilled” by the donation.
“It’s absolutely extraordinary,” she said.
“A donation of $5,000 will pay the wages of one of our support workers for five weeks to sit with someone while they come to terms with their child’s diagnosis, or who may be grieving the loss of a loved one from Cystic Fibrosis.
“We are grateful and proud of our relationship with GRNSW and we look forward to it continuing in the future.”
This is the third year the scheme, which has raised more than $70,000 for research and services into the condition, has been held.
For more on the 65 Roses Campaign and how to donate money to Cystic Fibrosis, click here.
Pictured: GRNSW Board Member Peter Davis (right) presents a $5,000 cheque on behalf of Martin Hallinan to Cystic Fibrosis CEO Michele Adair
