Warm up for children at Cottage

COTTAGE by the Sea is encouraging locals to band together and stage their own Winter Warmers fundraiser’s this month to raise funds for children participating in life changing programs in Queenscliff at the ‘Cottage’.

The Winter Warmers initiative is running across the month of June and invites locals to think of their own creative and unique ways of fundraising towards providing disadvantaged children in the community with opportunities to grow.

The appeal is slowly gathering momentum within the community and has already seen a local all-female swimming group on the Bellarine called ‘The Mermaids’ kick off their Winter Warmers fundraising by raising $1,300 at a breakfast function and morning swim of Queenscliff.

Cottage by the Sea ambassador Warren Davies and his team ‘The Unbreakables’ have also registered to run a casserole night during the month, while another group called the Yogi Bears are organising a yoga night to raise funds for the Cottage.

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The inaugural Winter Warmers breakfast last month at GMHBA Stadium also helped to raise $10,000 towards the cause.

Cottage by the Sea CEO Adam Wake said it was fantastic to see locals wanting to get behind the Cottage in giving local children the chance to benefit from inspiring and fun programs.

“We were so impressed by the efforts of The Mermaids we decided to ask them to become the inaugural Winter Warmer Ambassadors and we were delighted they accepted our offer.

“We understand not everyone loves the cold water like the Mermaids so the choice is yours how you choose to support Winter Warmers.

“Really the options are endless for people to get together, have fun, and raise funds for Winters Warmers.”

Cottage by the Sea ambassador and Winter Warmers co-founder Jan Wilkinson said that she had seen firsthand the care, warmth and comfort the Cottage could provide and also encouraged the community to embrace the cause.

“Walking through the front doors of the Cottage you can feel the warmth immediately.

“The Cottage does an amazing job making the children feel warm and comfortable, including the staff and volunteers who knit the scarves and beanies for the children.

“The Winter Warmers [event] celebrates the good work that the Cottage does and raises funds so we can continue to provide the children with this warmth and comfort.”

Locals can sign up now to a Winter Warmers fundraiser or are able to register their own online at www.charidy.com/cottage_winterwarmersJess and Tim from K-Rock with Rebecca Maddern and Ian Cover at the 2023 Winter Warmers Breakfast. Photos: SUPPLIED