Raiders call on home support to support charity

Correspondent

The Canberra Raiders have issued a challenge to the people of Canberra, as they look for a full Canberra Stadium for their last home match of 2006.

In conjunction with the match day sponsor ISC and FM104.7 Canberra, the Raiders will donate $1 to the Starlight Children's Foundation for every person at next weekends match if the crowd reaches 20,000. Funds donated to Starlight will go towards their 'Starlight Canberra Appeal'.

The 'Starlight Canberra Appeal' aims to raise crucial funds for the establishment of Starlight in the area, bringing with it Captain Starlight and a new Starlight Express Van.  From the Canberra base, Captain Starlight will bring much needed fun and laughter to seriously ill and hospitalised children in the Canberra, Goulburn, Albury-Wodonga, Wagga and Griffith areas. 

Currently Starlight reaches only 150 of an approximate 3,000 child admissions to hospitals in the area each year.  Sick children in this area desperately need a dedicated Starlight Express Van to ensure they have the opportunity to access and benefit from Starlight's programs.

The match will be the last chance to see some of the clubs favourite sons do battle at Canberra Stadium, with Jason Croker, Simon Woolford, Clinton Schifcofske, Adam Mogg, Jason Smith and Michael Hodgson all staying after the match to do a lap of honour to say thanks to the people of Canberra.

All of these Raiders stars will be joined by Coach Matt Elliott for some post match on-field interviews, as they say goodbye to the Canberra faithful.

There will be plenty of entertainment on hand throughout the day, with local boy and Raiders fanatic Denis Carnahan entertaining the crowd pre-game with a host of Rugby League songs, including the theme to the footy show "You were there."

At half time there will be the Raiders dance spectacular, with a host of local dance schools joining the Hogs Breath Raiderette's for a thrilling dance display.

There is also the chance to win a limited edition Coke fridge thanks to Coke Zero, with the Raiders be seen in Green competition, with the best dressed Raiders fans given the chance to strut their stuff.

FM104.7 will have Black Thunder on the forecourt before the big game selling ActewAGL Thunder sticks to further assist the Starlight Foundation, while donations can be made at halftime by dropping some change into one of the buckets circulating the ground.

All in all it promises to be a great night's entertainment and fun, with the chance to do your bit to help the Raiders finish season 2006 on a winning note.

Purchase your ticket today on our website www.raiders.com.auor for further information about the Starlight Canberra Appeal visit www.starlight.org.au.