A unique community group based on loyally supporting the town of Aberdeen and its people has finally decided to call it a day and wind up operation.
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The key to the group’s uniqueness has always been anonymity and the members would like to continue to remain a mystery into the future, but always know that their effort helped others.
The Deen City Club was first established 22 years ago by a few local Aberdeen residents who were predominantly ex-rugby league players from the Aberdeen Tigers ranks.
The fellows and their wives simply wished to make a contribution to rugby league and other sports in the town.
Throughout the two decades, the group has changed their focus to predominantly concentrate on junior sport in town, as the members soon realised the adult sports could fundraise themselves, whereas the children found it a bit harder.
Always being a secret, the Deen City Club has financially supported all junior sports in town, including the Aberdeen Junior Cricket Club, Aberdeen Junior Rugby League Club, Aberdeen Little Athletics Club and tennis, as well as the scouts and cubs.
Each year they were able to give back about $3500 across the different sporting needs, which amounts to a total of more than $77,000 given back to the community.
As many of the members, which was usually about 15 people, are now nearing retirement
they feel the time has come to wrap up the club and let the younger parents instigate a new fundraising initiative.
Many of the members are also now active in other community groups in town.
A Deen City Club member said it has always been a big thing that all members remain anonymous as they have never wanted any fuss or thanks, they simply do it because they all felt they had something they wanted to contribute.
“All junior sports and any charity functions where people from Aberdeen were affected we supported.
“If we saw a need, we’d donate,” the spokesperson said.
“We all feel the club has done an amazing job over the past 22 years and we should all be proud of what we have achieved.
“Lots of fun has been had at our yearly get-togethers and lots of memories and great friendships have been made.
“We feel the time has come to say thanks to the members, as you’ve done a great job.
“Everyone has enjoyed being able to contribute to junior sport in Aberdeen and we’re all really proud of what we’ve being able to accomplish,” she said.
The spokesperson said she hoped the club has prevented the need for groups to fundraise against each other by helping out when they are struggling a bit.
“We have never felt that we were taken advantage of, as we have always felt the money was used for good causes.
“It just goes to show that it doesn’t take a huge influx of money, but a little contribution each year goes a long way.”
Aberdeen Junior Cricket Club president Fiona Tickle thanked the Deen City Club for all the support the cricket club and others have received.
“So many committees in Aberdeen have been assisted and benefitted from this community minded group that just wanted to help Aberdeen youth,” Mrs Tickle said.
“It means a lot to committees to have some money in the kitty to kick start a season, and Aberdeen Junior Cricket have really appreciated the Deen City Club throughout the years.”
