McPherson Oval will be the place to be in Wagga on AFL grand final day as three football clubs band together to support their mate.
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A fundraiser dubbed ‘The Josh Hanlon Chookhana – AFL Grand Final Day at McPherson Oval’ has been organised to help support the injured North Wagga footballer.
Hanlon, who turned 21 last week, returned to Wagga on Tuesday after a couple of weeks in intensive care in Sydney and is going ‘really well’.
Representatives from North Wagga, Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong and Tullibigeal, along with a few of Hanlon’s close friends, have come together to form a fundraising committee for him.
Their major fundraiser will be an extravaganza on AFL grand final day at McPherson Oval.
“It started as just a couple of blokes going for a feed and a catch up with all the stuff going on and we got talking and it all snowballed really quickly from there,” North Wagga coach Kirk Hamblin said.
“We formed a committee and one of our first ideas was AFL grand final day. Everyone tends to enjoy the day and people don’t really go away for it so we thought we would get everyone along to McPherson Oval for the day.”
The AFL grand final will be shown on a big screen on the back of a truck.
There will be kid’s entertainment, food stalls, raffles, auctions, a band and much more.
The fundraising committee hope to attract 3000 people to the event.
Hamblin hopes the wider community get behind the fundraiser.
“It’s one of the best causes you’ll ever come across,” he said.
“If you’re wondering what to do on AFL grand final day, it’s going to be a good fun day at McPherson Oval.
“We’re hoping representatives from all clubs will get behind it and support it.
“The support so far has been phenomenal.”
Hanlon’s life was turned upside down on June 11 when he was rushed to intensive care, only two days after again playing a leading role in a North Wagga victory on the football field.
His vital organs shut down after the spread of the common bacteria, Strep A. For several days, Hanlon fought for his life before his condition was declared stable.
Blood clots to his arm and legs during the process have resulted in the amputation of his right hand and both feet.
Throughout the whole ordeal, Hanlon has amazed those around him with his positive attitude.
Entry to the ‘Chookhana’ is $5. They can be purchased early via the event’s Facebook page.
The committee is also on the look out for food stalls and kids entertainment for the event. Any interested parties can contact them via the Facebook page.
The committee has been lucky enough to have Emma Corbett come on board to help organise the event.
The William Farrer Hotel have also been very supportive.
Meantime, a sheep drive for Hanlon will be held at the Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre on Thursday.
In the wake of a successful drive at Griffith recently, there will be a pen for Hanlon at the Wagga yards on Thursday where sheep can be unloaded or donated.
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