Luncheon to raise funds for Give Where you Live Foundation

NOVOTEL and Give Where you Live, are joining forces and hosting a luncheon to raise funds for the local charity.

Novotel are hoping to host around 80 people for the June 28 event, with 100 per cent of the profits being donated.

Give Where you Live aims to create a fairer Geelong region, providing support in a number of different ways including with financial support.

Give Where you Live Foundation chief executive Bill Mithen said the organisation was incredibly grateful for the support of Novotel.

“The work we do each and every year, we can’t do without the support of organisations like the Novotel and having the support of a really well-known hospitality place is really important to us.

“It shows that we’ve got good connection with the community and with the business community.”

The owners of Novotel Geelong, the Erdi Group, have the Erdi Humanitarian Charitable Foundation and will be matching every dollar raised at the event, which takes the original $10,000 goal up to $20,000.

“It’s not every business that does this and to have management and a team here who want to support the Give Where you Live Foundation, and their owners in the Erdie Foundation who want to double that money is incredible,” Mr Mithen said.

Melbourne Convention and Event Centre chief executive Natalie O’Brien will be a guest speaker at the event and provide an update on the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, set to open in 2026.

Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions regional director Brett Ince will share an insight into all things government and infrastructure.

An auction will also contribute to the fundraising tally, with weekend hotel packages, in both Geelong and Melbourne, and Tempo Kitchen and bar up for grabs.

Novotel Geelong general manager John Dickson said everybody was contributing to the luncheon in some way.

“We’re having suppliers donate food, we’ve got relationships with some wineries and they’re donating wine and staff are actually donating their time.

“We see Give Where you live and the work they do for disadvantaged and struggling people here in Geelong as being really worthwhile.

“We realise that it’s pretty tough at the moment out there across multiple industries, but charities are doing it just as hard so it’s nice to be in a position to help out where you can.”

Tickets are available for $80 which includes a two-course meal with drinks and a $25 Tempo Kitchen and Bar voucher.

The luncheon will take place in Novotel’s Peninsula room from 12 noon until 2pm.

For more information, head to novotelgeelong.com.au