Sunday’s abandoned Bendigo Amateur Soccer League Women’s Championship match between Shepparton South and Tatura was being built up as A Game For Cherie, raising funds for Mammone who remains in a coma after a car accident earlier this year.
But with community sport scrapped, those involved thought fast to find an alternate avenue.
The initial exhibition match idea was pushed out by The Deck Shepparton, with manager Justin Milic creating a GoFundMe page in the game’s absence.
As of midday today, the page had reached $5125 — for context, it was created on Friday.
Having already smashed the initial $5000 target set by Milic, it's safe to say the page has been a healthy substitute for what was promised to be a blockbuster day of soccer.
“I thought it might take more than five days, but it just shows that the community is always there to help,” Milic said.
“The footballing community has been unreal — I was surprised how quickly the league caught wind of the fundraiser.
“I know times are really hard for everyone at the moment, but it's good to see we can pull together as a community and help others that are in need.
“I’d just like to thank all the clubs that donated, but also all the individuals that did as well, it has been a huge effort.”
Money raised from the page will be directed toward Mammone's family to assist with medical bills, accommodation, travel et cetera.
● To donate to Cherie's GoFundMe page, visit Fundraiser by Justin Milic : Help Cherie on her road to recovery.
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