Impact event lifts lid on social causes

NORLANE community advocates have had a glimpse of the grassroots initiatives helping boost social outcomes in their neighbourhood at a volunteer organisation’s fundraising event.

More than 60 stakeholders and supporters were at Norlane’s Aviary Café last week for the Norlane community group’s impact dinner, which highlighted the effect its range of initiatives had across the north Geelong community.

NCI co-director Kaylene Reeves said the event aimed to go beyond traditional fundraising dinners and illustrate how the group could make a difference in Norlane.

“We tried to do it differently this time. It was less about asking for money and more about showing the impact the organisation in our neighbourhood has and why it’s important.

“It showed how those that have already supported us, where their money has gone and how it’s impacted the community.”

The event included a video that featured some of the regular community participants in the Norlane group’s programs, which range from retirees, empty-nest grandparents, early school leavers and single parents.

“So often in community organisations, what we’re asked for is to evaluate our programs. Usually its done in a way where you count the number of meals given out or the number of people through your doors,” Mrs Reeves said.

“For us we really wanted zoom out and focus more on the bigger reasons why we’re here, which isn’t just to give out meals, it’s to tackle the bigger questions about why it is that some people have lower access to meals in the first place.

“Rather than just giving out free meals, why don’t they have access to fresh fruit and vegies or meals, and what can we do as a community together to address those issues?

“As an organisation we’ve been trying to build initiatives around addressing sustainable ways to increase food access or establish a community connection, to increase friendships and relationships and social connection rather than social isolation.”

NCI is also calling for donations for its 2022 Impact Appeal to support its range of initiatives. For more information, head to norlaneci.org.au/impact-appeal