The Tweed’s own magnificient seven spent time behind bars on Saturday morning but it was all for a good cause.
Sporting greats Mike Wendon and Mark Occhilupo, politicians Geoff Provest and Cr Warren Polglaze, tourism head Phil Villiers and local businessmen Mark Humphries and Geoff Jennings all did “time” for kids on Saturday.
But instead of being locked away so no-one could see them, the seven were put on very public display at Tweed City to encourage friends, fans and employees to give generously for the local Police and Community Youth Club.
Manager of the Tweed Heads PCYC Mark Madden said the group gave up their time and freedom and helped the club raise $4300 to help with its many programs and activities.
The seven operated in shifts and were locked in a makeshift holding cell on stage outside Coles, much to the amusement of shoppers, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
“We had a lot of great support, from the celebrities and people on the day and from the local Westpac staff,” Mark said.
“Last year the manager of the Tweed Westpac took part but they weren’t available this time. However the Tweed staff still had a raffle – the prize was a day off, they did really well and the bank matched them – they raised $800.
“Kingscliff High were going to do something for us last week – have a ‘lock up the headmaster’ or something, but the last week of term was too hectic so they are going to do it in the second week of second term instead.”
Mark said the money already raised and the money that will come from Kingscliff High will come in very handy for the local club.
“The money will be going towards new equipment,” he said.
“The gymnastics program needs additional mats and there are things we need for the after school program.
“The big thing we are trying to get a grant for is a second-hand bus.
“We need it for the after school program and to assist schools to access our facilities.”
The “Time 4 Kids” program is held every year across NSW to raise money for PCYCs.
“It costs us more than $600,000 a year to operate,” Mark said
“The bulk of our funds are generated locally by our club through user fees, grants, our weekly markets and fundraising schemes such as this!” he said.
Mark said he would like to thank all the volunteers involved on the day as well as Tweed City for letting them stage the event there.
Former World Surfing Champion Mark Occhilupo took a break from rehearsals for this series of Dancing With The Stars to be part of the day. Occhilupo, teamed with Jade Brand, has been in rehearsals for two weeks. Although officially retired from the world circuit, Occy said he still competes in all the Billabong events.
He said, as a long-term resident of the Tweed, he was well aware of the work the PCYC did, with his own son taking part in some of the centre’s programs.
It is the second year that the Tweed PCYC has been involved in the program.
