The Forbes Phoenix 2022 Footy Tipping prize has changed hands for the second time to end up with a good cause.
The first round of exchange took place when the winner of the competition, Joshua Matic who is also the owner of the Phoenix Newspaper Group, decided to donate his prize to the runner-up. That happened to be Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, who is also the Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific. Michael decided to donate the prize, sponsored by Harvey Norman Parkes, to the local efforts to support Tonga after the volcano disaster in January.
Michael donated the prize to Forbes local Sharnie Morris, who works closely with the Tonga-based charity organisation The Mango Tree Centre. The prize, which includes an air fryer, blender and frying pan, will go towards local humanitarian efforts for Tongans still impacted by the disaster.
“Tonga has been devastated by this disaster with many still suffering, so every little bit of effort and every kind donation counts,” said Michael.
Sharnie and The Mango Tree Centre have so far sent 22 drums of clothes, toiletries, shoes, and kitchenware items to Tonga supported by local businesses and organisations.
By Maggi Barnard