Jayden and Tyler are part of our amazing contingent of dedicated volunteer sellers
Presented by Green Energy Technologies, the raffle is one of the Foundation’s major fundraising activities, with 50% of ticket sales making up the winner’s prize and the other 50% going toward the charity’s life-changing community programs.
“It’s wonderful footy is back and with it comes another fan favourite, our Cowboys 50-50 Charity Raffle,” said Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Cowboys members, fans and the wider community for getting behind this really important fundraiser for us - every ticket sold truly makes a difference,” Fiona said.
“Last year was a record-breaker all-round, with 374,000 tickets sold at the games and online, more than $150,000 prize money and funds raised, plus the highest ever single cash prize of $29,000 at our home final against the Knights,” she said.
“We’ve decided to start off with a $10,000 guaranteed cash prize for the opening home game because we’re looking forward to another fantastic season seeing lots of happy winners and plenty of funds to help us continue and expand the work we do in the community.”
As well as record dollars raised, 2024 also saw the largest ever contingent of corporate and individual volunteers don the green kit as ticket sellers in any one season.
Long-term volunteer ticket sellers Tyler Anderson and Jayden Calder have become mates through their shared love of the Cowboys and the volunteering experience.
“I first came along with my work colleagues as part of a corporate volunteer group, and I’ve been coming back again and again ever since,” Tyler said.
“It’s awesome because you get a ticket to the game for yourself and a friend, you make a lot of new friends like Jayden and it’s all for a great cause. Even though you’re not playing out there on the field, it still feels like you’re playing your part for the Cowboys and others in the community.”
The born-and-bred Townsville locals and Cowboys fans may be comrades in green, but not without a hint of rivalry.
“Tyler and I are usually paired together in the same zone so it’s safe to say there’s a little bit of competition between us to raise the most funds,” Jayden said.
“Personally, volunteering has helped build my confidence in talking to new people, I’ve met people who have a similar interest in volunteering and sport, and I get a behind-the-scenes experience of a Cowboys home game,” he said.
“It’s cool to see the tally build throughout the game, and I do think about how someone I sell a ticket to could walk away with more than $20,000 in their pocket, with the cost of living at the moment that would make someone’s year, let alone day!”
50-50 Charity Raffle tickets are available until half time either at the game or online now: here.
