They’re a chance to get together for a fun day dressing up, and enjoying some horse racing.
But the last 10 years, the event has had an extra purpose - as a fundraiser for Can Assist.
And as a result from the 2024 event, $775 was recently donated to the Deniliquin Can Assist branch.
Can Assist is a cancer support organisation.
Each branch supports people in their own community affected by cancer, with the Deni branch known for providing assistance to help with the costs of seeking treatment out of town.
Mrs Peers said the amount donated is on par with previous years.
“We’ve done it (the Derby Day event) for longer, I can't tell you exactly how long, but we have been donating to Can Assist for 10 years,” she said.
“The amount we donate has usually been around $700 to $800 every year.”
Mrs Peers said the event started within the family, and then turned into a fun event to raise funds.
“We used to go to Derby Day and thought that once the kids had gotten on in age we would hold it at home and try to raise funds,” she said.
“We had 16 turn up to that first one.
“There are plenty of people who donate on the day, and we usually pit the men against the women to see who can raise the most.
“The women win more often than not.
“This year we held it at the White Lion Hotel and had more than 60 people there for it.
“The White Lion catered for us too, which was fantastic.”
Mrs Peers’ fundraising efforts on Derby Day demonstrate that there are plenty of ways to raise funds and help out.
You can organise your own fundraising event by going to https://canassist.org.au/get-involved/fundraise/#authority, or donate via direct deposit to Can Assist Deniliquin - BSB: 633 000, Account: 235432.
For more information about Deniliquin Can Assist and how it can help you, go to https://canassist.org.au/.
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