24 February 2021

This knock-on has the Raiders reaching out with Vinnies

| Michael Weaver
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Canberra Raiders players and St Vincent de Paul Society representatives.

Canberra Raiders players Curtis Scott (centre), Ryan James (right) and Sia Soliola (back), with CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn Barnie van Wyk (second from left) and sales manager of Canberra Toyota Belconnen Lisa Gray (left), launching the Vinnies Knock On Effect. Photo: Canberra Raiders.

The 2021 NRL season hasn’t yet begun and the Canberra Raiders have already made their first knock-on, except this one is helping others in the community to sign up for a series of fundraisers that help the St Vincent de Paul Society.

In conjunction with the charity, the Canberra Raiders and Canberra Toyota launched the inaugural Vinnies Knock On Effect, which will replace its annual door-knock appeal while demonstrating the impact Vinnies’ supporters have in the community.

The Knock On Effect will run throughout March and invites members of the community to sign up as fundraisers and spread the word about the work of Vinnies in the ACT region.

CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn, Barnie van Wyk, said the campaign will demonstrate the impact Vinnies’ supporters have in the community.

“The Knock On Effect represents the impact Vinnies has through its good works,” he said. “It is not just providing a meal, but the impact of being supported through tough times which provides a ‘hand up’ to our companions.

“The Knock On Effect also refers to the impact a contribution can have on the people we support.

“Like a ripple effect, one hour of volunteering may not look like much but can have a significant impact on someone who has turned to Vinnies for help.

“Five dollars may not seem like much, but many donations of $5 can significantly assist in continuing Vinnies’ services and programs.”

Sia Soliola, Curtis Scott and Ryan James.

From left: Canberra Raiders stars Sia Soliola, Curtis Scott and Ryan James. Photo: Canberra Raiders.

Mark Vergano, general manager of Canberra Region Rugby League, said his organisation is proud to support Vinnies Knock On Effect.

“Our local competitions and footprint span throughout Canberra and our surrounding regions, much the same as Vinnies, and we encourage our community to join us for the cause,” he said.

Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn provides assistance to families and individuals across the region, which covers the NSW Far South Coast, Snowy Mountains, ACT and western regions including West Wyalong and Lake Cargelligo.

For more information on Vinnies Knock On Effect, or to sign up or donate, click here.

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