Fundraising effort for young Cowra family after tragedy

14 April 2026

How would you like to win free fuel and help out a young Cowra harness racing family picking up the pieces after losing everything in a recent house fire?

 

The $2000 fuel voucher is just one of a number of incredible prizes on offer in a fundraising raffle put together by Harness Racing New South Wales to help out Jack Wade and his family.

 

Jack and his partner Alisha, who are parents to a two-year-old son, were faced with an unimaginable tragedy in late February when a house fire destroyed their home and belongings, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their back.

 

But thanks to the amazing generosity of a number of organisations, Harness Racing NSW is co-ordinating a raffle to help Jack and his family through this devastating time.

 

Harness Racing NSW, in partnership with participants, clubs and supporters, is now calling on the wider community to get behind the fundraising raffle aimed at helping Jack and Alisha get back on their feet.

 

“We are so overwhelmed with everyone's kindness and there are some amazing prizes on offer so jump on and grab some tickets. We appreciate each and every person who has assisted us,” Alisha said.

 

With money sourced through the Harness Racing New South Wales benevolent fund, HRNSW is financing a $2000 fuel voucher, with the rest of the prize pool donated by key partners and industry contacts.

 

“One of the things Harness Racing NSW is very strong on is helping out people in need and drawing upon our network to provide assistance where possible. And once again, the response has been phenomenal,” HRNSW Marketing Manager Paul Cochrane said.

“We have a long history of getting behind our participants and communities when tragedy strikes, whether that be through the pandemic or in times of dire health circumstances or even when the floods destroyed towns in our western region. Time and again Harness Racing New South Wales has a proven track record of standing up when it matters.”

 

“So when we were made aware of what’s happened to Jack, we were able to draw uponcontacts and relationships built through initiatives such as the revamped Carnival of Cups to put together a highly desirable prize pool to raise valuable funds for a young family who contribute so much as volunteers in our sport with the Cowra club.”

 

Among the prizes on offer are:

• A $2000 fuel voucher

• Premium hospitality tickets and packages at events such as the Guns ‘N Roses concertat ENGIE Stadium, the Bledisloe Cup, an NRL game in the SEN corporate box and the upcoming Eskimo Joe anniversary tour

• A $10,000 advertising campaign with the Seven Network

• Exclusive race day hospitality experiences with the Australian Turf Club and at upcoming Carnival of Cups meetings 

• Signed sporting memorabilia donated by the Sydney Swans and Canberra Raiders

 

Each prize reflects the strong sense of unity within the sport, with contributors eager to lend a hand during Jack’s time of need.

 

Harness Racing NSW thanks everyone who has already stepped forward and encourages all participants and fans to get involved in supporting one of their own.

 

Tickets for the raffle are now available and can be purchased online. To help Jack and his family by purchasing a ticket now, CLICK HERE