Wardy’s Monster Raffle Kicks Off For Sick Kids

By Sarah Healey on May 2, 2013 in News

Photo: James Hutton

No parent ever expects to outlive their child. It’s a concept that you automatically push far from your mind. For many parents, however, living the memory of a lost child is a battle they face every day. Mal Ward is one such courageous local father. Mal said goodbye to his son Johnno back in 2008 after a long and brave battle with childhood liver disease. His passing inspired Mal to establish the charity ‘Forever Johnno’, which raises much-needed funds for other kids struggling with illness.

If you call yourself a local you would probably have already attended half a dozen or so of Mal’s Monster Raffle and Charity Auction nights, the proceeds of which are donated to the Clancy Ward at the Westmead Children’s Hospital. Now in its 13th consecutive year, the 2013 Monster Raffle will be held on Friday, May 17 at the Charing Cross Hotel.

The atmosphere at the Monster Raffle is always electric with a mountain of giveaways for punters to get their mittens on, as well as over 40 prizes including restaurant and accommodation vouchers, family passes to Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife World, and signed Rabbitohs and Swans jerseys. There’ll be a throng of local footy stars and celebrities to rub shoulders and finger food and pizza will be in abundance to fill an empty belly. There’ll also be some pretty smooth dance moves on display when Nick Andrews & Friends hit the stage.

Plus, if you’re friends with a Mexican or plan to be in Melbourne on Friday, May 10 (the day before the Swannies play Hawthorn in the Grand Final replay), you can get down to the Royal Standard Hotel at 333 William Street as the Monster Raffle and Auction has spread south, with all proceeds going to the Melbourne Children’s Hospital.

Numbers were slightly down last year at the Sydney Monster Raffle and Mal’s greatest concern is that over time, interest will fade.

“It’s something that you just don’t want to slide, and my biggest fear is that it will. There’s no fading in my memory of John. It’s as strong as ever,” Mal said.

Raffle tickets are $2 each, 6 for $10, 13 for $20 or 35 for $50 so be sure to dig deep.

For more information or to donate a prize, call Mal on 0414 293 396 or email malward@three.com.au.