Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
HomeWorld Helper Grants awarded to cricket clubs across the Thunder Nation
More cricket clubs than ever have benefited from much-needed financial assistance thanks to the HomeWorld Helper Grant program.
After a record number of applications, the pool of funds was increased to better support clubs after a difficult year which saw communities battle drought, bushfires and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Six clubs across the Thunder Nation recieved a $1,000 grant to go towards developing grassroots programs and talent.
| Recipient | Purpose |
| Rand CC(Murray Region) | Supporting junior cricketers with portable shades, equipment and shirts |
| Brocklesby Burrumbuttock CC(Murray Region) | Marquees for junior cricket teams |
| Albion Park CC(Illawarra Region) | Protective cricket equipment for junior cricketers |
| Batemans Bay CC(South Coast Region) | Marquee for junior cricketers and tables for scorers |
| Glenorie District CC(North West Sydney Region) | Growing grassroots junior programs |
| Ingleburn RSL CC(North West Sydney Region) | Helmets and pads for junior cricketers |
Last week, Brocklesby Burrumbuttock CC and Rand CC received a visit from Thunder duo Chris Green and Lauren Smith.
Green and Smith presented each club with a cheque and joined junior cricketers for a net session.
President of Batemans Bay CC Stephen Knight is grateful for the support after a tough 12 months.
“The HomeWorld Helpers Grant represents a terrific boost for our local cricket club,” said Knight.
“Batemans Bay Cricket Club is an inclusive, community-focused, grassroots organisation, peopled by generous volunteers, giving willingly of their time and expertise, to foster and encourage junior participation rates in the great game of cricket.
“Our club suffered significant losses, both on an individual, and community level during last summer’s bush fires. This grant has significantly eased the way forward for us and made it easier for our junior cricketers to more fully enjoy their cricketing experience.”
Junior Secretary of Albion Park CC Todd Mitchell said the grant will enable the club to support the large number of single parent, low income families in their region.
“The HomeWorld Helpers Grant will allow us to purchase new protective equipment for our junior teams, which will help us increase our junior numbers and provide access to safety equipment for those who cannot afford to purchase their own,” said Mitchell.
“We want to make sure that all children in our area have the opportunity to enjoy the great game of cricket, no matter their background or means. The HomeWorld Helper Grant will help us achieve that goal.”
HomeWorld Director of Marketing and Sponsorship Trudi Busch is proud to support grassroots cricket across the Thunder Nation.
“Cricket clubs across NSW continue to provide local communities with opportunities to come together, be active and play the game that we all love,” said Busch.
“HomeWorld recognises the importance of supporting these clubs, especially at times like these when many communities have been directly impacted by bushfires, COVID-19 or flooding.
“We have extended our grants this year to help a broader range of communities, and we hope that these funds will ensure more people have access to playing cricket.”
