Help bring fencing to everyone!

Fencing is a great sport! It improves fitness and coordination, it teaches cooperation and respect, and it's fun! Problem is, it's expensive. And there are lots of kids in Melbourne, particularly immigrants, who can't even dream of affording normal club fees, gear, and state membership fees. Western Swords Inc. is a different kind of club: all the gear that fencers need to fence safely is there to borrow, all coaches and assistants are volunteers*, and there are no club fees. However, that means that the money to buy the gear in the first place**, hire the training hall, and pay each fencer's (mandatory) state membership fee has to come from somewhere.

That's why I'm appealing to you. You know the kinds of hurdles and barriers that a lot of kids in Melbourne and their families are facing: economic difficulties, neurodivergence, and the challenges of immigration, to name just a few. Give these kids – and all kids whose families are doing it tough – a chance to be like other kids and do something just for fun. Support Western Swords! We are very grateful for any donation, no matter what size.

*All coaching staff associated with Western Swords are accredited coaches and have current Working With Children Checks; a certified first-aid officer is on site at all times.

**If you have any SAFE fencing gear in good condition that you would like to donate, we're looking for jackets, masks, gloves, chest protectors, and foils. (The foils do NOT need to have working electrics.) You can contact me via GoFundMe (or whatever other way you have, if you know me). Thank you!

Photo credit: https://www.fencingsportphotography.com/