MACKAY, QUEENSLAND – The McDonald’s Mackay Meteors ‘Hamburglar’ inspired commemorative uniforms generated both good and some not-so-good discussion when the players took to the court recently in their Coles Express NBL1 North charity game against Cairns.

In the end however, the off-court result brought nothing but positive feedback and smiles all-round.

McDonald’s Mackay Meteor Viliami Foketi during the post-game singlet auction. Picture: Trudi Jensen Photography

Through its post-game public singlet auction, Mackay Basketball raised $30,000 towards the Ronald McDonald Family Room at the Mackay Base Hospital. The amount setting a new benchmark for the association, eclipsing a previous fundraising total of $20,000 achieved back in 2012.

Winning bidders were able to take home their limited edition jersey, straight off the players backs, sweat included.

Earlier today, Mackay Basketball President Tara Smyth presented a cheque to Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia Community Engagement Executive Samantha Lee.

“Mackay Basketball is very proud to use its sporting platform to help raise funds for such a worthwhile cause” Smyth said.

“We’re stoked that we can contribute towards the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital, helping to ensure that sick kids and their families in our local community will get the support they need, when needed.”

“We’re also extremely grateful to everybody who attended the game and placed bids on the singlets. As a basketball community we’re very lucky to have so many people willing to put their hand up and help make a difference.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia Community Engagement Executive Samantha Lee also thanked Mackay Basketball.

“We’re blown away by this donation, it’s an absolutely amazing effort,” Lee said.

“On behalf of the Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia we want to say a huge thank you to everybody involved for their wonderful support.”