St Vincent de Paul Society’s Albury Regional Council hopes to raise more than $5000 from its first Community Race Day at Albury racecourse on October 14.

Albury Regional Council president John Fleming said more people in financial difficulty than ever before were turning to the society for help.

“People are doing it really tough,” he said.

“Across the board we are seeing more people we wouldn’t normally see coming to us in financial difficulty, particularly with utility stress.

“People that can normally manage their finances comfortably are finding the current economic situation difficult.”

Mr Fleming said donations to the society were also down, which was fuelling the need to raise money from the race day.

“The economic situation in Australia is such that donations for our winter and Christmas appeals are down,” Mr Fleming said.

“There’s not a lot of spare funds with the price of fuel, mortgage stress and utility prices going through the roof.

“The Community Race Day is the council’s way to raise some much needed funds to meet the shortfall in an enjoyable, community-oriented way.

“The Community Race Day offers businesses, families and individuals a range of ways to lend their support.”

Mr Fleming said all money raised would help those in need on the Border.

“In particular we assist people through the Energy Accounts Payments Assistance Scheme with a sum of $500 a year for a household to help with paying gas and electricity accounts,” he said.

“We also assist people with the cost of living through resources such as food and grocery items.”

Businesses, community groups, families or individuals can sponsor a horse race under a corporate sponsorship deal. The sponsor’s name will appear in the race book, of which they get 10 free copies.

Those sponsoring a race receive 10 free course admissions and the buffet luncheon for $80. 

Racegoers get a three-course smorgasbord at the Meeting Place under the grandstand for $90. Catering is from Sandra Dick’s Florrie’s Legacy.

Tickets include entry to the course, wristband, one complimentary beer, wine or soft drink on arrival and further drinks at the cash bar.

Alternatively, racegoers can have Finger Food on the Deck package from Sandra Dick’s Florrie’s Legacy.

Tickets include course entry and wristband. A private cash bar is also available.

Gates open at 10.30am with races from 11am.

Book corporate sponsorship or food deals through Albury Race Club on (02) 6025 1333.