The quest is officially underway with the four entrants – Isabella Mercuri, Lauren Brett, Jay Bloomfield and Zoe Cherry – now able to get their fundraising activities underway. 

An official launch was held last Thursday where the group was thanked for putting themselves forward to be part of the event. 

They will each now hold various events and fundraisers in the lead up to the 2018 Leeton SunRice Festival, which will be held across the Easter long weekend. 

Of the four, one will be named the 2018 Ambassador and another the 2016 Highest Fundraising Ambassador. 

Those recipients will be awarded a unique travel prize. 

The idea of the quest is to raise funds for each entrant’s chosen charity and their committees, who will assist them in putting the events on. 

Miss Brett has selected the Leeton branch of Can Assist, Mr Bloomfield the MIA branch of MS Australia, Miss Mercuri Gralee School and Miss Cherry the Leeton Volunteer Rescue Association. 

Ambassador Quest co-ordinator Cheryl Whymark said it was pleasing to see a range of organisations chosen to benefit from the coming fundraising. 

“I think they are all great charities,” she said. 

“It’s wonderful to have such a great group of young people on board. 

“We’re looking forward to all of their events.”

This year’s launch was moved from the traditional home at the Leeton Visitor Information Centre to Billenbah on the Bidgee, which provided a picturesque night to get the quest underway. 

“We had between 45 and 50 people there,” Mrs Whymark said. 

“I’ve been told it’s one of the biggest launches that has been held. 

“It was great to see all that support there.”

Money raised goes back to the Ambassador Quest entrant’s committee, their chosen charity, as well as the community itself. 

In the past thousands of dollars has been raised as a result and residents are always excited to get behind any events being held by Ambassador Quest entrants. 

“People are definitely aware of what the quest is and what it’s all about,” Mrs Whymark said. 

“We’re hoping to have some sort of list with all of the events and dates on it so people will be able to plan what ones they would like to attend.”

In the past these have included barefoot bowls days, seafood dinners, trivia nights and bigger events that entice the whole community to attend. 

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