Geelong pitches in to help those most vulnerable

GIVE Where You Live Foundation’s (GWYLF) Pitch Up Geelong event has raised more than $100,000 to support vulnerable members of the local community.

More than 180 attendees heard from Thread Together, Feed Me Bellarine, Geelong & Surf Coast and The Outpost, who shared their stories of impact, support and working with the those in need.

Thread Together raised more than $31,000 to contribute towards establishing their service in Geelong through a mobile wardrobe to support those vulnerable due to the rising cost of living.

More than $38,000 will help The Outpost to support their ongoing operational costs and to keep the

doors open.

As the only non-referral, after-hours service in the region offering hot meals every night of the week, The Outpost helps community members to access essential food and clothing.

Feed Me Bellarine was the beneficiary of $31,000, which will help them to continue to turn perfectly good food waste into meals for those in need.

Co-owner Lana Purcell said she was delighted with the amount raised on the night.

“It was an incredible experience to have so many community members come together to raise money and connect.

“$30,000 absolutely equates to 30,000 meals going back out into our community and feeding people that are struggling to feed themselves.”

Thread Together chief executive officer Anthony Chesler welcomed the contribution.

“We managed to secure $31,000 which is an outstanding outcome that will make such a difference.

“For as little as $5 we can provide a brand new wardrobe to a person in need. So by my calculations that’s 6000 people we can help in Geelong.”

Outgoing GWYLF chief executive officer Bill Mithen thanked the community for their support of Pitch Up Geelong.

“As the cost of groceries and living expenses continue to rise, so does the number of people in our community reaching out to food relief and homelessness agencies for support,” he said.

“Pitch Up highlights how the community coming together can make a real difference for people locally.

“Thanks to the generosity of our matched funding partners and the 180 people who joined us.”