FIFTEEN years ago, Huddersfield and District Bowling Association decided to start supporting charities.
Since then, it has raised £60,000 for good causes.
Each year, the association picks a different charity to be its beneficiary.
It then co-ordinates collections, raffles, concerts and other events at its 54 member clubs to raise cash.
An annual fundraising bowling tournament is also held.
It is called the Huddersfield Charity Bowling Competition and is staged at Almondbury Liberal Bowling Club.
One player from each of the association's member clubs is chosen to compete in the knock-out contest.
Each club has to donate at least £20 to the association's chosen charity, but most bring much more.
This year, the competition raised almost £2,000, which will go to the 2004 chosen charity, Kirkwood Hospice at Dalton.
Last time the association supported the hospice, in 1993, it raised £10,000.
Other beneficiaries over the years have included Guide Dogs for the Blind, Mencap, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Tums2Bums and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary's baby care unit, its intensive care unit and the Heart of Huddersfield Appeal.
Association president Douglas Mellor said: "It gives you a good feeling when you give money to a good cause."
The association was nominated by Marsh United Bowling Club.
A club spokesman said: " We are not aware of any such level of fundraising by any other sporting body in the town."
