Artists unite for burgeoning charity

A FUNDRAISING exhibition for local charity Sunshine Bendigo taking place in three weeks’ time couldn’t come any sooner after February saw its largest allocation of material aid assistance in nearly a decade.

The community-based, volunteer-run organisation, which collects, sorts and redistributes new and pre-loved baby goods and nursery equipment to eligible local families, supplied an unprecedented 136 seasonal clothing packs, 44 car restraints, 112 toiletry and nappy packs, 37 prams and 27 baby safe sleep spaces last month.

This represented 268 children supported and $95,767 worth of aid gifted, backed by 735 volunteer hours.

Sunshine’s founder and CEO, 2025 Bendigo Citizen of the Year Glenda Serpell said the “amazing” service only exists because of the generosity of the community.

“We wouldn’t survive without the donations of new and used baby goods,” she said.

“The demand is always high because babies keep being born and hence we find ourselves also reaching out again for financial contributions to keep our overheads paid.”

She said the exhibition will be another great opportunity to gather as a community to support Sunshine Bendigo and “maybe even grab a nice piece of art for your home”.

“It’s as simple as that, really.”

The It Takes a Village Art Exhibition takes place on Friday 27 (opening night) and Saturday 28 March at Dudley House in View Street.

Featured artists, most of whom have donated their pieces or part thereof, include prize-winning fine art photographer Lauren Starr, painters Steven Stanley, Ro Windust and Sarah the Painter, muralist and visual artist Juzpop, illustrator Lyn Raymer, painter/illustrator Isstra Bevilacqua and mixed-media artist Sharon Hocking.

Tickets for opening night can be purchased via the Trybooking website.