Comedy headlines Hello for Hope month

A COMEDY gala featuring Melbourne stand-up favourites Brett Blake and Tommy Dassalo is the lead act in this month’s Hello for Hope charity drive.

For the third year, the initiative is raising money to help Lifeline Loddon Mallee plug the gap between its annual government funding and running costs.

Sydney’s Robyn Reynolds as well as local Ash Greblo will also perform.

Bendigo Comedy Festival’s Luke Morris, who helped organise the event and will make an appearance as well, said the night will support community mental health.

“Seeing people walk away happy, it’s great. This is a once-in-a-year chance to get out, laugh, smile, feel good for days, and know you have supported Lifeline and those in need throughout the Lodden Mallee,” he said.

As Lifeline Loddon Mallee CEO Lisa Renato explained, apart from the comedy night, there’s heaps of things happening during the campaign which aim to engage different people across the region.

“It’s not about one person or business raising (a lot) of money, it’s about lots of small things and small amounts of money coming together to make a big difference,” she said.

“AFS accountants are running some internal raffles, and there’s another group of community members who do a $1000 draw.

“Bendigo Telco are doing a morning tea on World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), and the Lifeline team are doing the Out of the Shadows walk around Rosalind Park.

“It’s wonderful to have people within the community see the value of the work we do and spread the word that we’re here and we’re doing good things, but also, to have a bit of fun and raise some money.”

The Laugh for LifeLine Comedy Gala Fundraiser will be held at Piano Bar Bendigo on Thursday 19 September. You can buy a ticket via Trybooking.