Fighting For Funds - Tough times call for Tough Guys

March 15, 2005, Sydney, Australia – The squared ring takes centre stage on April 2nd at Petersham RLS for the 19th resurrection of the Christians vs. Lions Fight Night. Boxing and martial arts will be on display as several young fighters from the Holy Trinity Youth Fitness Centre make their fighting debuts. The boys from Dulwich Hill will set up the action for the main event, a bout between Sydney’s Fighting Father, Dave Smith and Albury-Wodonga's Punching Pastor, Guy Moon. All proceeds from the night’s events will go to Trinity’s Youth Centre.

"These fights are the only means for support for the Youth Centre and we need a full house and additional sponsors to maintain the program at it’s current levels," explains Rev. Smith, the Anglican minister who has been organizing the fight nights and overseeing Centre operations for 11 years now.

The Trinity Youth Fitness Centre is experiencing increased attendance but facing the limitation of dwindling funds. The program has been entirely funded through community donations through the fight night sponsorship and attendance with a small number of direct donations. The fully supervised recreation centre services over sixty children between 2pm and 6pm each weekday. Working closely with schools and community partners, the centre offers a wide range of activities ranging from athletics to academics and beyond.

"Mostly it provides a safe place for these children to hang out, a safe harbour from the vi
olence and drugs that they’re exposed to on the streets," says Smith. "That’s why the boys are excited to be stepping up to help support the program by participating in this fight night. They know what’s at stake."

Despite the desperation of the fundraising effort, Smith is confident that the night will be entertaining. In the end the success of the event will not be based on dollars and cents. The focus will be on fun, as all the previous fight nights have proven.

To learn more about Christians vs. Lions XIX or to request an interview contact Father Dave Smith at 02-9569-1255 or via email at dave@fatherdave.org