Lifeline seeks to boost fundraising

A NEW annual fundraising campaign has been designed to secure funds for Loddon Mallee’s Lifeline centre.

Hello for Hope week will take place from 5 to 10 September, with the organisation encouraging people, businesses and groups to take part in “community activations” and raise funds.

Lifeline Central Victoria and Mallee executive officer Lisa Renato said the campaign has been made possible by a donation from the estate of the late Peter Ryall.

“He was huge supporter of the work we do,” Ms Renato said. “He wanted us to be able to set something up that would allow us to benefit for a longer term.”

Community activations can include cinema fundraisers, morning teas, and other activities.

At a launch event on Friday, 5 August, Lifeline CVM will share the work that local volunteers do manning the crisis support hotline.

“The biggest thing is a lot of people don’t know there is a local Lifeline,” Ms Renato said.

“We’ve answered over 15,000 calls this year. We have 80 accredited volunteers to answer those calls and they give almost 7000 hours in time every year to help people in our community who are in need.

“It’s about sharing the story of the work we do in the community already, because a lot of people don’t know.

“Once people hear about the work we’re doing, they agree it’s vital for the mental health of the people in our community, they become inspired and want to help support us.”

Ms Renato said Lifeline CVM needs $500,000 a year to run the centre, with the State Government providing about a quarter of that and the rest up to the organisation to raise.

The launch event takes place at Mackenzie Quarters on Friday, 5 August from 12pm to 2pm. For tickets head to bit.ly/3yzavjY.