Who Gives? The Raffle Seller

Who?

Jimmy Ross, 66, retired car salesman

Where?

Cohuna, Victoria (population 2200)

What?

One day every week, Jimmy sells raffle tickets to raise money for various local community groups – the schools, the hospital, the retirement groups and sporting clubs. He raises about $350 each week – that’s $23,000 last year and $104,000 since he began selling tickets in 2002.

When?

Each Friday from 10 am to 7pm

Why?

Jimmy says that handing over the money he raises gives him a real buzz.

Since developing throat cancer 12 years ago he can’t work, but the skills he developed from selling cars and farm machinery and the strong connections he has with the local community are put to good use in selling his tickets.

Sometimes community groups approach Jimmy to seek his help; other times he goes around asking who needs what.

Because of Jimmy, the local football club has bought a home movie theatre, new tables and an industrial dishwasher. The local netball courts have been re-sealed and the golf club has bought water for the course and can now top-dress the greens.