Lazarus hopeful of kickstarting life-saving appeal

GEELONG’S Lazarus Community Centre is firing up a community appeal in a bid to continue its services assisting those in need across the region.

The centre is hoping to raise awareness and money for people sleeping rough by encouraging 100 local businesses to donate $100 per month (tax deductible) to their services.

Lazarus Community Centre has provided the region’s homeless and insecure with a supportive environment to access food, showers, activities and a listening ear since 2017.

However, the Geelong institution is seeking financial support to continue its increased need for services.

“The homelessness rate has skyrocketed in the last couple of years and everything in terms of our services has increased,” Lazarus Community Centre general manager Jade Riddas said.

“When we first opened, we probably had about 25 people coming through the door, now we are averaging 45-50.

“Because of the growing cost of living we are having to employ extra staff and volunteers.

“We don’t get any government funding and have just been able to run by an oily rag at the moment thanks to some very generous donations.

“It’s worked really well and it’s great, but obviously everything is getting more expensive and the numbers are rising so we are just trying to think outside the square.”

Lazarus has started conversations with local businesses and the Business Networking Group (BNI) to attract them to take part in the appeal.

They hope that by doing so, it may be a snowball effect for any businesses wanting to get on board who are able to donate to the appeal.

“For any business that does donate, we will make sure that is known,” Mr Riddas said.

“Say it’s a butcher that wants to donate, then we will make sure our volunteers and people go and buy from there, the appeal will be very community minded.”

Mrs Riddas said that the longevity of Lazarus without community support is uncertain and it’s quite scary considering the demand and need for their services at the moment.

To enquire or donate to the appeal, head to https://lazaruscommunitycentre.com.au/get-involved/#donate