Lazarus to breathe new life from inaugural luncheon fundraiser

PROCEEDS from the first annual Lunch for Lazarus have “far exceeded expectations” and will provide Lazarus Community Centre staff and their clients with sustainability long into the future.

More than 400 people attended the Lunch for Lazarus event last Thursday in the President’s Room at GMHBA Stadium.

The event, which was supported by Lifeline Geelong and South West Victoria, brought the community together to support members of the greater Geelong community who are struggling to meet basic needs or experiencing homelessness.

The two-course lunch function included a series of raffles and silent auctions and a special panel discussion with clients who continue to benefit from Lazarus’ services.

Lazauras Community Centre general manager Jade Hamilton said community support was nothing short of exceptional on the day.

“Everyone just dug so deep to help us out, it was absolutely amazing.

“The stories from the Lazarus clients were no doubt the highlight of the day and touched so many people.

“It really helped to give attendees a different view on homelessness and hardship and made it incredibly real.

“Overall, it was a massive success, and it will no doubt be the first of many.”

Ms Hamilton said the funds raised will particularly be tailored towards getting their new premises, a dwelling behind their current site, ready to be moved into in the next 12 months.

“Our new space will ultimately be able to host almost double the number of clients that we can service now.

“More broadly, it helps to secure our sustainable future and to know that we can continue providing meals and basic items to those that truly need it most.”