Annual Australia Day Charity Cricket match raises thousands for The Candlelight Gift

Charity Australia Day cricket match at North Epping hailed a great success

Winning Candlelight Gift Cup captain Rod Mercier.

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Australians all over the country have plenty of traditions when it comes to Australia Day.

However, a new tradition in North Epping may just be Australia’s best.

The second annual Candlelight Gift charity cricket match raised $2000 in support of local families with children in hospital.

“Apart from all of the fun that we had both on the field and watching from the sideline, it was also a huge success with regards to the money that we raised,” said The Candlelight Gift’s Founder and President David Colmer.

“For the 2 years we have collected over $3,500 which will support the Child Life Therapy Department at Westmead as they seek to relieve the fears and anxieties of parents and children prior to an operation or other procedure.”

The 30-over game was won by Rod Mercier’s team, with Rod claiming bragging rights for the year.

Mercier’s team will have bragging rights for the year after walking away with the Candlelight Gift Cup.

While there was plenty of entertainment on the field, kids were also kept interested throughout the day thanks to a waterside and playground.

The Candlelight Gift charity match is supported by the Epping Bulls Cricket Club with the club covering the cost of the cricket ground for the day.

Epping’s President Matt Boorer says he has enjoyed the developing partnership between the club and the charity and is excited to see it continue in future.

“It’s a real pleasure see the community come and support this day and to see the kids playing out in the middle after the match was great to see,” he said.

Epping is also holding a Charity Trivia Night to support Candlelight this Saturday.

Visit facebook.com/candlelightgift for more.