Sport
2 March, 2023
$24,000 for the kids
CAMPERDOWN’S Luke O’Neil has smashed all personal expectations, raising an incredible $24,173 for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
CAMPERDOWN’S Luke O’Neil has smashed all personal expectations, raising an incredible $24,173 for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
After a month-long fundraising campaign, and endless hours completing laps of the local pool, O’Neil has finished as the second highest individual fundraiser in Australia.
And he couldn’t be prouder.
“I’m absolutely stoked,” O’Neil said. “My initial aim was for $1000 but to finish at just over $24,000 is incredible and I’m so very grateful to each and every donor.”
He was one of 13,694 participants across the country in last month’s ‘Starlight Super Swim’ campaign which encouraged participants to swim 20 kilometres in February to raise money for the children’s charity.
O’Neil completed his 20 kilometres with a group of friends last weekend – completing a virtual Lorne Pier to Pub.
“It was a great way to finish the event,” he said.
“I’m very grateful to all the individuals and businesses who donated, large and small, along with the Camperdown pool team, the council and everyone who helped with promotions.”
Nationwide the campaign raised an incredible $5,056,249.
With the swim and the fundraising now concluded, O’Neil will turn his focus to the upcoming footy season with Camperdown in the Hampden League.
“It (swimming) has certainly helped with my fitness goals so now the focus is on footy; I’m looking forward to our first practice match tonight (Friday).”