Last chance to create a fairer community with Give Geelong Appeal

THE Give Where You Live Foundation is calling on the community one last time for the Give Geelong Appeal.

The week of giving, which finishes today (Friday, March 22), will help create a fairer community by assisting those who are experiencing homelessness, struggling to put food on the table and those facing long-term unemployment.

Give Where You Live Foundation chief executive officer Bill Mithen said that in the face of the rising cost of living, the community needed help now more than ever.

“As the cost of living continues to rise, we’re seeing that the need in our community is also increasing.

“More than 5,600 people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness (and/or family violence) were supported across the Barwon region in 2021-22.

“Supporting the Give Geelong Appeal will support the Foundation’s work to create a fairer community for those that need it most.”

The difference your donation will make: Susana’s story

The Give Where You Live Foundation has provided grants over the past two years totalling $80,000 to Uniting Vic.

One of those grants funded a housing and homelessness worker for the Barwon region to support people experiencing housing insecurity.

Almost 200 people who were at risk of homelessness were provided with information, advice and resources and were supported to secure emergency accommodation.

Further funding to Uniting Vic has enabled them to begin a mobile emergency relief service for the Barwon region which will provide food relief, material aid and act as a gateway to other support services.

Susana sought support from Uniting Vic after fleeing family violence with her two children.

Uniting Vic’s homelessness services supported Susana with two nights of emergency accommodation to safely accommodate her and her children until they were able to access a more permanent rental property.

Susana was referred to support services, received food relief, toiletries and material aid to give them a good start in their new life.

The community has been encouraged to get behind the Appeal with many ways to get involved including Footy Gear Friday and yesterday’s (Thursday, March 21) Give Geelong Breakfast with Em Rusciano.

“The Give Where You Live Foundation is working hard to create a fairer, more equitable Geelong, where all people and places thrive, and we can only do that with the support of our community,” Mr Mithen said.

“By making a donation to the Give Geelong Appeal you will give a gift to your community.”

The Give Where You Live Foundation is a community foundation that exists to build a fairer, more equitable community across the G21 region.

A unique, place-based philanthropic community organisation, the foundation works in partnership with the community to help all people and all places thrive, with a focus on priority areas of food security, homelessness. inclusive employment and regenerative economics.

To make a donation or get involved in the appeal activities, head to givewhereyoulive.com.au