Geelong Mums raise record $180K at annual lunch

A RESOUNDING turnout at Mount Duneed Estate has led to a record amount of money raised for Geelong Mums at its annual Mother’s Day Lunch.

The Geelong-based charity hosted its first lunch in three years due to COVID-induced cancellations and spokesperson Gill Whelan was ecstatic to see the fundraiser finally become a reality.

“All up we raised $180,000!” Ms Whelan said.

“Even the rain held up which is unusual given that every year the event is pouring with rain, so we were really thrilled with how the day went and Jacqueline Felgate and Mike Snell, our MC and entertainer during the event, were brilliant.”

The lunch served as a tremendous opportunity for mothers to get together and support mums who are less fortunate.

Raffles and silent auctions accumulated a large portion of funds on the day paired with a special guest speech from Geelong Mums CEO Ruth Holdaway before the day was capped off with joyous dancing.

“People were super excited to get back to this event for the first time since 2019, it’s probably why we had the response that we did,” Ms Whelan said.

“The funds will help Geelong Mums achieve its new vision of ‘share more, waste less, so every child thrives’.

“So, moving forward we will aim to help every child in Victoria up until the age of six that needs our assistance.”

Ms Whelan said she had an army of passionate volunteers who made the event possible and were responsible for raising a large amount of the total funds.

Geelong Mums is still receiving donations for its Make A Mother’s Day Appeal.

For those interested in giving a financial donation or donating a bag of women’s toiletries to Geelong Mums, head to www.geelongmums.org or drop off items at the charity’s warehouse on 110 Balliang Street, South Geelong.