Auction’s big goal boosting Appeal

FEDERATION University has coordinated an online auction to generate funds for the 3BA Winter Appeal.

With 13 items and experiences on offer, from signed footy jumpers to a hit of golf, FedUni’s goal was to raise $5000 before last Tuesday, 27 July.

3BA community appeals ambassador Peter Caligari said all funds raised throughout the University auction will be used to buy food from local Ryan’s IGA supermarkets.

This will be distributed to the welfare agencies and charities supported by the Appeal, Uniting Ballarat, Anglicare, the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society.

“With many more weeks of winter yet to come, much more assistance will be required by our less-fortunate families, and the resources of our welfare agencies and charities will continue to be placed under enormous pressure, making it absolutely essential for the annual 3BA Winter Appeal to again be very successful,” Mr Caligari said.

“All donors can be assured that any level of support which they may be able to provide will be greatly appreciated.”

Things up for bidding included a Shaw Cycling Centre voucher, a 2021 signed and framed Western Bulldogs guernsey, a 28-person gold class screening, a Stockland Wendouree voucher, 18 holes at the Ballarat Golf Club, harness racing and Turf Club experiences, Ballarat Airport Shuttlebus rides, Spring Gin and hand sanitiser, a family swim and gym membership to Unisports, Veuve Clicquot champagne, and a Western Bulldogs president’s lunch.

Federation University vice-chancellor and president Professor Duncan Bentley said the institution’s proud to boost the Appeal.

“Unfortunately we can’t host our traditional fundraising lunch this year due to the challenges with COVID, but we’ll be doing our bit to support the appeal through donations of food, money and blankets, as well as the online auction,” he said.

“Now more than ever, we need to come together as a community to support those who are most in need.”

Mr Caligari emphasised the “extreme hardship” being experienced by Ballarat families in this “extremely cold” winter.

“Our four major welfare agencies and charities are struggling to cope with the continually escalating number of families urgently in need of assistance, particularly food items and blankets,” he said.

“Fortunately, the very caring and generous Ballarat community is again demonstrating its support of the annual 3BA Winter Appeal, however more donations of cash, food items and blankets are still required.”

“Details of how cash donations may be made can be found on the 3BA website, while donations of food items and blankets should be taken to the Salvation Army on the corner of Main Road and Eureka Street where they will be equally shared by the four agencies.”