Dear friend of the Melbourne Argonauts,
I wish to invite you to make a donation to the Australian Sports Foundation - Melbourne
Argonauts Queer Rowing Club Boat Fund.
It is a club goal to provide the best possible equipment for our members. In comparison to other
clubs of similar size, and considering our short 9 year history, we don’t do too badly; but we are
determined to provide a fleet that promotes the best opportunity for us to develop our skills and
ability; and enjoy our rowing with a minimum of serviceability issues.
One of the major issues facing any sporting club is the raising of money for capital expenditure.
Rowing is arguably one of the more expensive sports with regard to the equipment required
simply to function, whether it be to purchase or maintain. Club membership subscriptions almost
cover the club’s fixed operating costs but do not raise any money towards capital expenditure.
This means that we need to rely on other revenue streams for the purchase of boats, oars,
rowing machines and coaching equipment. It may surprise you to find out that a new four/quad
costs in excess of $20,000, a cox-box over $1,000 and an oar more than $500.
Items that we have identified as needs are:
- Additional double scull/pair
- Replacing the eight
- Additional sculling oars to match the current number of seats
- Replacement of the two Model C Concept 2 Rowing Machines
Club rowing activities (such as attendance at regattas and rowing camps) aim not to lose money;
and other organised social activities aim to generate a very small profit. The club raises money
for capital through a portion of the Introduction to Rowing course, other discrete fundraising
activities (such as the trivia night) and through the Australian Sports Foundation.
The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) provides a service where anyone can gift to the ASF
with the wish that it be granted to the Melbourne Argonauts Queer Rowing Club Inc Boat Fund.
Gifts of over $2.00 are tax-deductible.
As a supporter of the Boat Fund you will have the ongoing gratitude of the Members and
committee of the Argonauts, both current and future. The committee is also looking at discrete
ways of recognising the financial contribution of donors past and present and would welcome
your input into the most appropriate way for this to occur.
For your consideration a donation form can be downloaded here. Every donation large or small makes a
difference and I would encourage you to discuss the benefits of donating with any friends and
family who may wish to assist the club achieving its goal of providing and growing a strong viable
rowing club for the queer community and its friends.
Please be aware that due to processing time, donations for the 2009-10 year will need to be forwarded to our Treasurer (c/- 133 Page Street, Albert Park, Victoria 3206) or at the shed on or before Wednesday 23 June 2010.
However donations can be made at any stage during the year. Should you wish to discuss
anything to do with donating to the fund, please contact me on
With thanks,
Sandy Mitchell
Vice-president
Melbourne Argonauts Queer Rowing Club inc
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