The City of Melbourne has set a record $60,000 fundraising goal for this year’s Good Giving Christmas campaign, which will benefit four programs making a difference.
The annual campaign raises awareness and funds for charities, not-for-profits and projects that assist people experiencing homelessness across the municipality, including rough sleepers.
The 2021 Good Giving Christmas campaign will support:
- Primary health and social service Youth Projects, which provides free access to health and social care to improve the wellbeing of people who are, or at risk of, experiencing homelessness.
- Justice Connect’s Women’s ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾lessness Prevention Project, providing integrated legal and social work support to ensure women and children are safely housed.
- The Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation to assist those looking to overcome the effects of substance misuse, homelessness and family violence.
- The City of Melbourne Make Room initiative, which will see a Council-owned building transformed into 50 studio apartments to provide safe and secure accommodation for those sleeping rough on our streets.
Last year’s campaign raised $17,000 for St Mary’s House of Welcome.
The Good Giving Christmas campaign will run from 1 to 30 December. Donations can be made at the City of Melbourne’s gift-wrapping station at 239 Bourke Street and via the .
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“We know Melbourne is a caring city, and our community will do whatever they can to support those doing it tough.
“A donation to the Good Giving Christmas campaign will provide those experiencing homelessness with essential services, as well as the long-term support they need to find safe and secure housing.
“All Melburnians deserve access to safe and affordable housing, which is why we’re committed to making room for people experiencing homelessness in the city and supporting organisations doing the same.
“We’ve already secured $10 million for our $20 million Make Room initiative, which will provide support to some of Melbourne’s most vulnerable people, and create a new pathway out of homelessness.”
Quotes attributable to Health, Wellbeing and Belonging portfolio lead Councillor Dr Olivia Ball
“Prior to COVID-19, the number of people experiencing homelessness was on the rise, and the challenges of the past 18 months have only exacerbated the situation.
“In the City of Melbourne alone, around 300 people are experiencing homelessness, including up to 90 people sleeping rough, without a roof over their head.
“Now more than ever, we can appreciate the importance of having a safe space to call our own, which is why we’re raising funds for programs and initiatives to help break the cycle of homelessness.”
Quotes attributable to Youth Projects CEO Ben Vasiliou
“Christmas can be an especially difficult time of year for people sleeping rough or experiencing homelessness.
“We hope Victorians will give generously this Christmas so that we can continue providing pathways out of homelessness for some of our community’s most vulnerable people.”
