By Martin Vedris

STRATHFIELD: Retravision’s annual Bula Cup golf day was a win for charity and a show of support for Retravision from the industry with 14 suppliers turning up to compete for the honour of winning the 30-year old golf competition.

The day is more than a great excuse to dust off the golf clubs and put the egos on the line to determine just which supplier has the industry’s best golfers.

Photo: Fujitsu in the blue shirts won the 2008 Retravision Bula Cup golf challenge.

“So far we have raised $11,000 and expect this figure to exceed the $20,000 target after the major raffle draw on 6 December, all funds going to the Oncology Children’s Foundation,” said Arvind Naidu, a former banker and now owner of Retravision Marrickville and Burwood and Stax Electrical Croydon. Naidu has taken on the responsibility of organising the charity day.

Retravision and Strathfield Rotary jointly hosted the event at Strathfield Golf Club with the Oncology Children’ Foundation being the beneficiary of funds raised on the day.

Seven-year old Ben Clarke unfortunately lost his battle with cancer this year but his life and his struggle were not in vain with the Oncology Children’ Foundation taking up the cause to fund groundbreaking research that hopes to save the lives of children like Ben.

“We’re dedicated to funding breakthrough research into childhood cancer,” said Oncology Children’s Foundation CEO, Ross Lewis, who was also MC on the day. “We direct the funds into the best possible research programs and the ones more likely to get results.”

South Sydney Rabbitoh’s stars Craig Wing and coach Jason Taylor turned up to show their support. Taylor unselfishly gave his time and delivered an impromptu speech including insights on how the Rabbitohs are shaping up for the 2009 Rugby League season.

The golf day itself was 4-ball Ambrose competition with 14 suppliers fielding teams. The day also included special awards for the longest drives and nearest to the pin.

Fujitsu just beat JVC by 1/8th of a point to win the Ambrose competition and hold the trophy for a year. Samsung finished last but won prizes for the wooden spoon. (Yours truly writing this story was supposed to be on the Samsung team but I couldn’t make it on time and missed the golf but made the dinner. Sorry guys, but I don’t think I would have helped win anyway.)

“Fujitsu celebrated long into the late hours of Thursday night, and are keen to retain the cup next year,” said Naidu. “The competition was very tight with Fujitsu just edging newcomers JVC.”

Fujistu also won the Longest Drive competition courtesy of Darrene Ede and they also won the trivia competition. Electrolux’s Sandra Kawarikis won the women’s Longest Drive competition.

The two Nearest to the Pin competitions were won by Steve Devine of Devine Real Estate and Martin Storey, Fisher & Paykel account manager.

Suppliers showing their support on the day were: Asko, De’Longhi, Electrolux Home Appliances, Electrolux Floor Care, Fisher & Paykel, Fujitsu, JVC, LG, NEC, Omega Smeg, Palsonic, Samsung and Whirlpool.

“And also thanks to Australia Post, IXL, and Cadbury Schweppes for the refreshments for the day,” said Naidu.