Convicts for a Cause: Rotary Clubs of Perth and Mt Lawley raise $100,000

THE Rotary Clubs of Perth and Mt Lawley helped raise a record $100,000 for several charities at Convicts for a Cause at Fremantle Prison this month.

Former WA Chief Scientist Lyn Beazley and Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt were among 60 inmates who were bailed out while Rotary of Perth (ROP) member and Senator Dean “The Judge” Smith set bail for the “baddies”.

The proceeds will be shared between the Rotary Club of Mt Lawley, Cystic Fibrosis WA, Diabetes Research WA and ROP’s Reflections Through Reality Foundation that funds research to find a cure for mesothelioma.

Professor Beazley, who is patron of the Reflections Through Reality Foundation, was bailed out for $500 and said she had a little vice regal help from Governor Kerry Sanderson before the event.

“I was thrilled to be part of such a worthy event,” Prof Beazley, whose grandchildren sold hand-made bracelets to contribute to her fundraising tally, said.

“It is such terrific way to support charities that, through world leading research and support programs, are changing lives for the better – now and into the future.”

Mr Pettitt had a starring role on the night playing the part of the ‘Mayor of Bradtown’, the event’s fictional wild west town.

“It was a tough gig,” he said.

“I think being the Mayor of Fremantle is a lot easier than handling these varmints.”

Event organiser and ROP board member Alison Dalziel said community support for this year’s eighth annual event that attracted 300 people was overwhelming.

“Bringing a number of funding-raising charities together proved attractive to event supporters and we believe it is part of the reason we’ve been able to pull in more than $100,000 for the first time,” she said.

“This type of joint approach to fundraising is gaining more momentum with both businesses and individuals as they think more carefully about where to put their charity dollar.”

To donate, visit www.convictsforacause.org.au.