Mithen praises community for $2.8m fundraising effort

GIVE Where You Live Foundation (GWYLF) CEO Bill Mithen has lauded the community’s generosity in helping to raise $2.8 million from their 2022 fundraising initiatives.

Mr Mithen thanked locals for their generous donations, time and efforts in continuing to create a fairer and brighter future for the G21 community.

He said the community kindness was highlighted by the 2022 Christmas Appeal, which raised almost $30,000 to help support people in need over the festive season.

During December, $5,000 grants were distributed from the appeal to OneCare Geelong, The Outpost, The Power in You Project and Colac Neighbourhood House to help them provide community meals, hampers and Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Mr Mithen said the funds enabled the Foundation to provide more support to those delivering frontline work in assisting people facing homelessness, food insecurity, loneliness and isolation.

“For families facing hardship or living on low incomes and struggling to afford basic needs, the Christmas period can add significant stress and financial pressure,” he said.

“We were very proud to distribute $20,000 of grants in December to the four community organisations to help vulnerable members of our community remain connected and access support over the Christmas period.”

Other major fundraising successes from 2022 included the Give Geelong Appeal which raised $70,000 and the End of Financial Year Appeal which hit a record-breaking $114,000 in donations.

Mithen said the New Year has already kicked off with a bang, with the 2023 Survive and Thrive Grant Round now open for community organisations who are delivering projects to benefit the G21 region.

A Community Grant Reviews Panel will be facilitated by the Foundation to provide feedback on where community donations are to be allocated.

The e&s Golf Classic, Give Geelong Appeal and the Surf Coast Trek are also around the corner, with Mithen encouraging the community to keep an eye out for announcements about those in the coming weeks.

To find out more, go to www.givewhereyoulive.com.au/