Sale Greyhound Racing Club has this year donated more than $30,000 to local organisations through its Community Grants Chest.

Among the successful applications was Briagolong Primary School, which used the grant money of $2000 to fund a new Gaga Pit.

The pit, which is based on an octagon shaped USA recreational concept where players start in a “pit”, hitting and rolling a ball with their hand to eliminate other players, was a school student action initiative.

Brigalong Primary School Principal, Mark Donald said after coming across a Gaga Pit on school camp last year, the school Student Action Team had been on a mission to raise funds for a pit of their own.

Briagolong Primary School students playing in their new Gaga Pit.

“Multiple student fundraisers were held, including Winter Warmers and Casual Clothes Days, but without the help of the SGRC Community Chest, we would still be trying to raise the funds,” Donald said.

“It was exciting to watch the students oversee the building of the pit and take part in their first Gaga game.

“It’s a huge thank you to the Sale Greyhound Community Chest for making this possible.”

Another happy group which was successful in its application was Gippsland Lakes Roller Derby which benefitted from new skate gear with the funds.

This year a total of $30,361 was shared among 10 groups:

– The Scout Association
– Stratford Cricket Club
– Rosedale & Dist. Historical Society
– Heyfield Vintage Machinery Group
– Heyfield Bowls Club
– Maffra Cricket Club
– Boisdale Briagolong Junior Football Netball Club
– Gippsland Lakes Roller Derby
– Wellington Toy Library
– Briagolong Primary School

Gippsland Lakes Roller Derby has purchased new skating gear.

*This article was written by Tony Homfray