The Maroochydore Rugby Club Ladies Day presented by Coast Store was a vibrant celebration of community spirit, generosity, and giving back. Held on Saturday 26 July during the home game against Wynnum Rugby Club, the event featured a raffle that raised almost $1,700 in support of The Rise2 Foundation.
All funds were raised thanks to raffle prizes donated by local businesses and supporters, including Oaks Hotels, South Ave, LSKD, Brockenchack Wines, Sunshine Coast Tanning, Hannah Mills Makeup Artist, Billy J and local Maroochydore MP and Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Fiona Simpson.
Mel West, Event Manager & Committee Member at Maroochydore Rugby Club, highlighted the sense of unity the event fostered. “Ladies Day is always one of our favourite events on the calendar, and this year’s atmosphere was incredible,” Mel said. “To be able to raise such a significant amount for the Rise2 Foundation, thanks to the generosity of our members, guests, and local businesses, is something the whole club can be proud of.”
Troy Derwin, President Maroochydore Rugby Club, said “this year’s Ladies Day was one of the best ever! Massive thank you to all the guests and sponsors who gave generously on the day. We are so proud to be able to support an amazing charity like Rise2 Foundation”
The RISE2 Foundation is a Sunshine Coast-based initiative launched by Coast2Bay Housing Group and Zonta Club of Caloundra to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence. Their innovative “Restart in a Safe Environment” program operates within safe, fully-furnished homes embedded in neighbourhoods, so families can rebuild their lives with dignity.
Currently, Coast2Bay operates 12 RISE2 homes across Sunshine Coast and Noosa. A further 16 homes will be added to the program by the end of 2026, stretching down to Moreton Bay. To date the program has provided 49 families with a safe space and specialist support services on their journey of healing.
Simone Brouard, Marketing Manager for The RISE2 Foundation, expressed gratitude. “We are so grateful to the Maroochydore Rugby Club for choosing RISE2 as the beneficiary of this year’s Ladies Day,” Simone said. “These funds will directly assist families in our local community who need a safe and dignified home, and it means so much to have this kind of support from a local sporting club.”
The club also thanks Coast Store, the official event presenting partner, for its continued support in making Ladies Day such a memorable and meaningful occasion.
