Money raised for Sherry kids

AUSTRALIA'S top futsal players have helped raise more than $7000 for the Sherry children, whose parents drowned at South Ballina Beach last month.

The Australian Futsal team played NSW Thunder on Sunday in Sydney as a fundraiser for the orphaned Sherry children. Picture: Damian Briggs

AUSTRALIA’S top futsal players have helped raise more than $7000 for the Sherry children, whoseparents drowned in a tragic accident at South Ballina Beach last month.

Futsal NSW hosted a charity day in Sydney on Sunday, with four matches, auctions and raffles of world class sporting memorabilia.

The highlight of the day was the Australian Futsalroos game against the NSW Thunder.

However, it is understood the children, Monique, 17, Elise, 14, and Nicholas, 9, did not attend the weekend’s charity match, with their grandmother reportedly telling organisers they ‘didn’t want to be in the spotlight’.

The children were also busy preparing to return to school this week.

Football NSW’s futsal manager, Damian Briggs, said the futsal community had wanted to help the Sherry kids ‘in their time of need’.

“Elise plays in our league and the family was involved in outdoor football as well,” he said.

“Both parents were well-loved and respected within the community.

“We collected tin after tin of donations – we’re still counting it, but it will be more than $7000.”

The Sherry family was active with the Campbelltown Quake Futsal Club and Elise played in the under-14 girls’ squad.

Joe, 42, and Carole Sherry, 44, drowned on January 19 while trying to save Elise and Nicholas from a rip as Monique looked on from the sand.

The children have since moved to Western Sydney to live with their grandmother.

Money raised on Sunday went to Hannah’s Foundation, which has organised the Sherry Family Appeal.

The foundation’s chief executive, Andrew Plint, said they had received more than $150,000 in donations so far.

The fund paid for funeral expenses, and the rest will be used for educational and other costs related to Monique, Elise and Nicholas.

Donations to the Sherry Family Orphan Appeal can be made at www.hannahsfoundation.org.au, or at any branch of Westpac.

Originally published as Money raised for Sherry kids