ALMS giving is something usually associated with organised religion.
It’s about putting money on the plate at church to help the disadvantaged or giving your local nun or monk a donation to help them with their expenses.
Some people take their sport pretty seriously and worship their sporting idols so it was fitting on Saturday that Moss Vale and Mittagong Junior Rugby League Clubs held a Call To Arms fundraising day and donated money to the Cancer Council.
On Friday night, St George Illawarra’s Wendell Sailor sported bright yellow boots to raise money for cancer while the Brisbane Broncos played in a special yellow uniform for the same cause.
Iand on Saturday morning, inspired by their NRL heroes, Junior Lions and Dragons gave up their arms for alms by slapping on a yellow armband to raise money for cancer.
Mittagong raised an astounding $1400, with players offering a gold coin donation to sport a yellow armband, while 100 per cent of the gate takings was also donated to charity.
Moss Vale contributed almost $400 to the cause which came from a donation bucket inside the ground and part of the gate takings.
Call To Arms is one of the Cancer Council’s annual fundraising events that offers sporting groups of all ages and codes the opportunity to help raise funds and awareness for cancer.
Mittagong and Moss Vale were invited to hold a Call To Arms match in July where players wear a yellow armband in a show of support to those who had survived cancer, those currently facing the cancer fight, and to remember those who had lost their lives.
All funds raised go towards the Cancer Council’s cancer research, prevention, information and support services, particularly for men.
“Compared to women, Australian men are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, and men are also less likely to survive their diagnosis,” Cancer Council NSW Southern Region office spokesperson Michael Cannon said.
“In the Southern Region alone, more than 2000 men will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and more than 770 will die.
“The reality is, it could be your dad, your brother, your husband, your son or your best mate.”