Salvatore and his sister Maria Trimboli display the Paul Wade-signed ball. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Much like the Australian Socceroos’ World Cup run, a football-inspired fundraiser for the Griffith Base Hospital has exceeded all expectations.
Salvatore Trimboli, the owner of Italian deli La Piccola Grosseria, says he is closing in on his goal of raising $8000 to purchase vital equipment for the children’s ward. He’s urged the community to help him reach his target over the final two weeks of the global tournament in Qatar.
“We are looking to purchase a Radical 7-Pulse Co-oximeter, a device that continuously monitors a baby’s or child’s oxygen and pulse rate,” he said.
“We also want five android tablets, a Nintendo Switch and assorted games, some toys, plastic chairs and a digital camera. We have raised $5300 so far, we just need another $2700 to be able to cover all that. We will do another raffle on the eve of the grand final [Monday 19 December] here at the La Piccola store.
“There are three prizes. We have a football signed by former Socceroos captain Paul Wade. He’s a legend of our sport and is very happy to help me. We also have a commemorative 100-year Socceroos book signed by him and a $100 La Piccola hamper. We are trying to ask the community kindly if they’ll help.”
Mr Trimboli commenced his fundraiser in September, after meeting Brazilian soccer legend Rivaldo when the World Cup trophy was on display at an event at the revamped Sydney Football Stadium.
“I was shaking when I met Rivaldo … I remember watching him win the World Cup in 2002 when I was just 17 years old. To be able to meet him was one of the best days of my life.”
Salvatore Trimboli meets Rivaldo at the Sydney Football Stadium. Photo: Supplied.
Mr Trimboli seized the opportunity to get Rivaldo to sign a soccer ball, which he took back to Griffith to use as part of his fundraising efforts. He auctioned the ball off at Griffith City Cinemas during half-time of the Australia v Tunisia game on 24 November. The Socceroos were surprise winners on that day and so was the hospital, as the ball was won by outdoor pool makers ELM Aquatics, whose successful bid was $1600.
An ELM Aquatics spokesperson said: “We know that regional hospitals are struggling and need all the help they can get, so we were delighted to support this great cause.”
Mr Trimboli says tickets for the final raffle can be bought at his store at 444 Banna Avenue right up until 19 December. He has also set up a GoFundMe page, which accepts donations.
“Any donations are welcome, we’re trying to do as much as we can for the kids and we’re enjoying the World Cup at the same time.”
A soccer fanatic, the Deli owner says he has barely slept this past month.
“Words cannot describe how proud I am of our boys [the Socceroos]. Everyone wrote them off even to make the tournament … against Argentina it went down to the 97th minute … against a team worth a billion dollars more than our side. They have inspired a country. We need to kick on and bottle this and use it to focus on youth development for the next World Cup.”
More information on the La Piccola fundraising drive can be found on the store’s Facebook page.
Loading ...
