Save the date for critical fundraiser

One of the Limestone Coast’s biggest fundraising events will be back in 2025 to support the work of ac.care in supporting vulnerable people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

The Limestone Coast Support Homeless People Luncheon will return to The Barn Palais on August 8, 2025.

“This event traditionally sells out and attracts around 500 people to a remarkable day of fundraising, learning about homelessness in the Limestone Coast and how businesses and other stakeholders can make a difference, plus providing a great opportunity to network with people from across the region,” said event ambassador Barry Stafford, who has long been pivotal in the success of the luncheon.

The event, traditionally held every two years, will feature high-profile guest speakers, auctions, raffles and other activities to raise funds to support the work of ac.care.

Sadly, a lack of affordable housing and the rising cost of living has made the event more important than ever to help end poverty and address homelessness in the Limestone Coast, where ac.care helped 226 people avoid homelessness with early intervention support in 2023/24.

A further 140 people were supported by ac.care’s Limestone Coast Homelessness Service to move from homelessness to stable accommodation and 101 people were provided with short-term emergency accommodation to navigate through a crisis.

“We are seeing an increasing number of people in need of support and are so grateful for the support of the Limestone Coast business community and major sponsors that make this unique luncheon such a success,” ac.care chief executive officer Shane Maddocks said.

The 2023 luncheon raised $128,000 for ac.care.

The luncheon was founded by Mr Stafford and the late Barry Maney OAM, who said at the inaugural 2012 event “we can all make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling, particularly when we come together like we have”.

“We are proud to continue this legacy and are calling on the community to once again come together for the region’s biggest business networking fundraiser and luncheon to increase the impact of ac.care, a local charity founded in Mount Gambier in 1986 that continues to operate the Limestone Coast Homelessness Service and many other vital services,” Mr Stafford said.

Bookings and ticket sales will be available early in the new year.

For more information visit accare.org.au or call 1300 ACCARE (1300 222 273).