Give Where You Live launch End of Financial Year Appeal

THE Give Where You Live Foundation is calling on the community to donate to their End of Financial Year Appeal.

Those experiencing homelessness, struggling to put food on the table and facing long term employment will benefit from the funding.

Give Where You Live Foundation chief executive officer Bill Mithen said that in the face of the rising cost of living, the community needed support now more than ever.

“As we celebrate 70 years of impact in the Geelong community, we are also reflecting on the incredible generosity of the community over the decades.

“In 1954, approximately half of the families in Geelong gave something to that first appeal.

“As we approach the end of the financial year, we invite you to join us and support our 70th End of Financial Year Appeal to make it our most impactful yet.”

In the past financial year, the Give Where You Live Foundation invested $2.6 million into the regions, however their community partners are reporting an increased demand for services.

“A lot more people are experiencing financial struggles,” Uniting Vic Tas’s Shelley Johnson said.

“Whether they’re waiting for their next pay cheque to come in or their pension, we’re also seeing many who are escaping family violence.”

Over the last two years, the Give Where You Live Foundation has provided Uniting Vic/Tas with grants totalling $80,000, allowing them to provide emergency relief to those most vulnerable in the Geelong community.

In addition to this, the foundation has also provided them almost $50,000 in Community Choice vouchers in the last six months for people to access food, household items and prescription medications.

Mr Mithen thanked the community for considering the Give Where You Live Foundation for their tax time donation and noted the community was central to their work.

“Contributions to our End of Financial Year Appeal will stay in our local community and support us to continue our vital work across the Geelong region,” he said.

To donate to the End of Financial Year Appeal, head to givewhereyoulive.com.au