THREE of Ballarat\u2019s African and South-Sudanese, female led businesses are banding together for a fundraising event this Saturday that will showcase their work to the community.<\/p>\n
Starting at 12pm, the event is being spearheaded by apron upcyclers Mat Tetni alongside cushion retailer A Tuk, and Martha Chol Creative.<\/p>\n
Proceeds from the evening will be split between the three businesses, but Mat Tetni co-owner, Mary Top, said the event will be about more than just raising funds.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to let the community know we\u2019re here, and we\u2019re using our talents. We want to contribute, we want to give back to everyone like they gave to us when we arrived here,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe money we raise will help all of us to get started and get our businesses going after three years in operation so we can better provide our services to the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are willing to help, but if you don\u2019t come in and say hey, I\u2019m struggling, they won\u2019t know where to come in and help support.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event will comprise popup stores from all three businesses so attendees can peruse their goods, as well as a raffle with a hamper prize of bundled items from the shops, and a slideshow showcasing their achievements.<\/p>\n
African donuts will be provided alongside entertainment for kids, and guest speakers will include Ballarat Regional Multicultural Centre\u2019s executive officer Ann Foley, and president of the Ballarat African Association, Dr Michael Akindeju.<\/p>\n
With all three businesses working out of the Ballarat Welcome Centre at Barkly Square, Ms Top said the funds raised will go towards maintaining their space there with the goal of eventually establishing their own shops.<\/p>\n
Mat Tetni also contributes to several markets across, and the money would also see the store set up some Melbourne events.<\/p>\n
Ms Top said the fundraiser will help advance Mat Tetni\u2019s aim of giving back to their community in South Sudan, while allowing the businesses to further their involvement with their Ballarat customers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we have our own shop and are able to provide for our families, that puts us at an advantage to help some of the people back home with clothing, shelter, things like that. That\u2019s the big dream,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, I\u2019m looking forward to opening ourselves up for the community, to have that time as one community with one mind and one experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s amazing just to be part of the big things going on Ballarat. This is a beautiful place, and I\u2019m looking forward to being part of it and for people to come into our world and see what we\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THREE of Ballarat\u2019s African and South-Sudanese, female led businesses are banding together for a fundraising event this Saturday that will showcase their work to the community. Starting at 12pm, the event is being spearheaded by apron upcyclers Mat Tetni alongside cushion retailer A Tuk, and Martha Chol Creative. Proceeds from the evening will be split […]<\/p>\n