Bendigo Great Chase Series Windfall For Disability Service
Peter Harcourt Disability Services – a local non-profit community organisation – received a $1000 windfall yesterday when two of its assigned greyhounds won heats of the Great Chase at Bendigo.
Mike Smith, a PHDS coordinator for the past nine years, said he had already put forward a suggestion to his CEO that the monies be utilised to purchase outdoor furniture for a garden area.
“We've been involved in the Great Chase since its inception in 2003, and Booma Teddy and Mingo's Victory are our first winners,” Smith said.
“We had seven people with a disability and three staff members attend last night's meeting, and everyone had a great time. And the hospitality from the club was also great.
“And getting to pat both winners created great excitement. It also was a sensory bonus for our disabled people.
“The Great Chase concept is providing PHDS, and all the other community groups involved, with an invaluable social outlet.
“We're now looking forward to heading to Shepparton for a Great Chase provincial final on November 19.”
The other Great Chase heat was taken out by Brian Boru, trained by one of Bendigo's best greyhound trainers, Ron Rogers; and named after an Irish king – assigned to Cystic Fibrosis Country Families, who were the recipients of $500.
PHDS provides services to more than 160 people with a disability in the areas of educational development and supported employment programs.
It began in the 1950s due to the efforts of concerned parents and citizens in Bendigo to establish services for people with an intellectual disability.