CHARITY PROGRAM

In pursuing our vision, "Flemington is a world leader in racing and event entertainment, guaranteeing and unrivalled experience” we are committed to making a positive contribution to the community.

The Club supports charities through donations, community partnerships, event/promotional support and our annual Melbourne Cup Carnival Pin & Win promotion. We work with charities that share our values and conduct programs that address needs relating to:

  • racing industry welfare

  • animal welfare

  • community health

  • local community

CHARITY & COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Very Special Kids photoshoot for Pin & Win 2019

VERY SPECIAL KIDS

Very Special Kids cares for children with life-threatening conditions by providing a children’s hospice and professional family support services. The Victoria Racing Club was proud to announce Very Special Kids as the new Pin & Win charity partner for 2019. 

Redkirk Warrior, Living Legend attends an on-course race day to parade around mounting yard.

LIVING LEGENDS

Living Legends is the post-career home of some of Australia’s most celebrated champion racehorses. Open to the public, Living Legends is set in the beautiful surrounds of Woodlands Historic Park. Living Legends relies on donations and sponsorships, and we’re proud to provide support by engaging horses from the Living Legends stable at many Flemington race days 

SecondBite logo with fruit and vegetables surrounding it

SECONDBITE

The VRC is a proud long-time supporter of SecondBite, which provides fresh nutritious food for people in need. Since 2007, the VRC has supported SecondBite through surplus food donations.

During the 2018 Melbourne Cup Carnival, SecondBite collected 2,760kg of food - the equivalent of 5,520 meals for those in need.

 

Jockeys' standing around after a race at Sofitel Girls' Day Out 2019

NATIONAL JOCKEYS' TRUST

Since 2004, the National Jockeys’ Trust (NJT) has helped over 180 jockeys and their families to overcome financial hardship and cope when jockeys are injured or killed in action. VRC are proud to get behind this important industry charity through fundraising and event support.

A group of Victoria Racing Club's employees volunteered for The Big Umbrella on a dinner service.

THE BIG UMBRELLA

The Big Umbrella (TBU) is a charity that with the help of volunteers and corporate participants redistributes rescued surplus food to create 400 meals a week shared on the street with the homeless and marginalised in Melbourne. Since its inception (TBU) has provided a massive 100,000 meals for those who need it most. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

VRC Charity Charter

Whilst all charities are worthy of corporate support, the VRC recognises that it is best positioned to allocate its resources to charities that share its values and conduct programs that address needs relating to:

  • racing industry welfare
  • animal welfare
  • community health
  • local community.

This charter was established to uphold the Club’s corporate values and provide a visible framework for the assessment of applications made to the VRC.

Objectives

  • To support charities that are aligned with the VRC’s corporate values.
  • To support causes in the local area.
  • To increase and diversify sources of fundraising.
  • To utilise existing VRC resources and events to provide promotional leverage to approved charities where appropriate.
  • To conduct all charitable activities effectively and efficiently so as to minimise expenses and maximise funds raised.
  • To obtain stakeholder support for the VRC’s charitable activities.
  • To utilise the iconic status of the Melbourne Cup - ‘the people’s race’ - as an envoy to assist in achieving positive social impacts.
  • To be ethical and responsible in our operations.
General donation requests

The VRC supports charitable organisations that can demonstrate alignment with our corporate values.

Levels of support  Donations available Eligible recipients 
Level 1 Tickets to be used for fundraising purposes - 2 x General Admission tickets for Emirates Stakes Day or Super Saturday Local community (located within 5km of Flemington):
  • local schools
  • local sporting clubs
  • not-for-profit organisations

Racing industry welfare
Animal welfare
Level 2 Pin & Win exclusive charity partnership
 Appointed via tender process                        
Eligibility & selection criteria

All applications must be submitted by email on official letterhead to donations@vrc.net.au.

Each application will be assessed on its individual merit. 

Limitations

The VRC is unable to support:

  • requests that are not in writing
  • individuals or private enterprise.

Please note:

  • Support may be provided on a rotational basis. Year-on-year support may be declined to accommodate all requests.
  • Donation requests may not be processed during October and November due to peak activity and requests received via regular post may not receive a response.
  • Donation requests via email are preferred; all hard copy requests may not receive a response due to the number of requests received.

Application process: Levels 1-2

Applicants must read and understand the VRC Charity Charter.

All applications must submitted in writing on official letterhead to donations@vrc.net.au and adhere to the following requirements:

  • ABN to be clearly visible on the application (where applicable)
  • include a brief profile of the charity or organisation and its vision, mission and objectives
  • include the date and format of the event to be held
  • outline where the money raised would be spent
  • do not include any materials other than those specifically requested
  • sign and date the application.
Application process: Charity partnerships including Pin & Win

Very Special Kids has been appointed as the Pin & Win charity partner for 2020. Please refer to our Pin & Win page for information on this year's campaign.

To express interest in future Pin & Win partnership opportunities with the Victoria Racing Club, please email community@vrc.net.