Wagin Trotting Club and St John WA raise $4080 to fund upgrades for automatic external defibrillators in town

A Wheatbelt community will soon have access to life-saving medical equipment thanks to a partnership between St John WA and the local trotting club. The Wagin Trotting Club and St John WA joined forces and raised $4080 with raffles, games and money trails at the trotting club’s Christmas race meet on December 6 to fund upgrades and maintenance for automatic external defibrillators in town. The portable device treats a person whose heart suddenly stops by using electricity to re-start or shock the organ back into a normal beating rhythm. Wagin Trotting Club secretary and treasurer Fiona Hetherington said the Wagin trotting community could “hold their heads high”. “The club was thrilled to support the local St John team,” Ms Hetherington said. “St John Wagin help our club tremendously on race days, and we are very pleased to give back to them.” St John WA representative Margie Ward said the event brought the community together for a good cause. “It means a great deal as we support the trotting club and they are big supporters of our organisation,” Ms Ward said. “It was fantastic to work together for our community.” Racing and Wagering Western Australia chief executive Ian Edwards said the positive effects of the fundraising program have been extensive for community groups and not-for-profits. “Race clubs play an important role in their communities, both economically and socially, with partnerships like this a prime example of the strong connection race clubs have with their communities,” Mr Edwards said. “Wagin Trotting Club chose a worthy cause for their fundraising, and we are pleased to add to their efforts. “The Race Club Community Program allows clubs to guide our giving by proposing a local group or charity they believe deserves support and we match the funds raised on special race days.” More than $1 million has been raised for charitable events by race clubs and Racing WA since the program’s establishment in 2015.