By Russell Bennett
Coast is clear for fishing charity…
MARK Ratchford and his sister – Pakenham’s Leatrice Shipsides – sure know how to make one hell of a splash.
Mark took off from the Melbourne Boat Show in June to circumnavigate Australia – more than 16,500 kilometres – and fish as he goes, raising much-needed funds for the Cancer Council before returning later this year.
His aim – through his organisation Fish For Life and its organising committee – is to raise between $500,000 and $1,000,000.
Leatrice has a professional marketing background, which she has harnessed to lead a team of workers at Pakenham Living and Learning.
Their role is to provide logistical and organisational support for the mission, which spans seven capital cities across the country.
But she has cast her net far wider.
A Pakenham Kids Fun Fishing day will be held on 18 September at the Lakeside Lake from 10am to 4pm – run by Fish For Life, a not-for-profit organisation with a goal to educate and teach the next generations of Australians how to fish.
“It’s important that our children are aware and understand all about the sustainability of fish and sea life in our waterways,” said Leatrice, the charity event manager, who with her offsider Nicole Brown has single-handedly organised the local community event.
Leatrice and Nicole have been working around the clock to make sure that the children have a fulfilled day.
They have organised face painters, Rotary will be running a sausage sizzle, and spray-on tattoo artists will be stencilling fish themes.
The local Pakenham Angling club, as well as Fish Care Victoria, will also be offering their services to teach the children simple fishing steps like casting and handling.
The fish will be caught on a catch-and-release program and prizes will be allotted to different age groups and categories.
Special guests Michael and Kim from Oz Fish TV on Channel 31 will also be popping in to film segments for their upcoming program.
Bunnings East, Ray White Pakenham, BCF, Monster Fish, the local Men’s Shed, the Bendigo Bank, the Cardinia Cultural Centre and the Lakeside residents group are just a few of the sponsors and supporters that have kindly donated to the day, while many others have also donated prizes.
“Local business in Pakenham has welcomed us with open arms,” said Leatrice.
“We are so thankful for each and every donation, be it big or small.”
In order for children to be involved in this event it is vital that they’re registered to reserve a timeslot. Registrations can be made on the website – www.fishforlife.org.au – on the kid club tab.
All registered children will receive a show bag filled with gifts to take home with them.
For further inquiries, contact Nicole on 0412 859 442.
Anyone wishing to help, volunteer, or donate to the fundraiser is warmly welcomed.
