The Give Where You Live Foundation’s Give Geelong Appeal, from 15 – 22 March 2024, will help create a fairer community by assisting those who are experiencing homelessness, struggling to put food on the table and those facing long term unemployment.
Give Where You Live Foundation CEO, Bill Mithen said in the face of the rising cost of living, now more than ever the community needs help.
“As the cost of living continues to rise, we’re seeing that the need in our community is also increasing. While the wider Geelong region continues to report low levels of unemployment, there are some pockets where unemployment rates are as high as 20%. Supporting the Give Geelong Appeal will support the Foundation’s work to create a fairer community for those that need it most,” Bill Mithen said.
The difference your donation will make: Ella’s Story, a job is life changing and everyone deserves a chance
The Give Where You Live Foundation’s GROW initiative brings together individuals, community organisations and businesses to address entrenched disadvantage through employment opportunities for people experiencing long term unemployment.
Supported by GROW, Ella now an adult apprentice has broken barriers and forged a pathway through a Certificate II in Construction Management.
Ella, a Corio resident living with a disability, was a student at Nelson Park School when she was recruited into a pre-employment program with the help of GROW. In 2023 she commenced an apprenticeship at Hanlon Industries.
This life changing opportunity sees Ella thriving in the work environment and loving the chance to learn new skills.
“At school I found I liked hands on learning and doing practical things. So, it made sense to try and include that in my work. My new job means I can explore different pathways in engineering fabrication and I’m pretty excited about that.” Ella said
“My future looks promising. I hope to continue working at Halon Industries when I finish my apprenticeship. Working here has helped me and it’s really good.” Ella added.
As a GROW signatory and a Gold Partner of the Foundation, supporting local and providing opportunities for Geelong people has always been a big part of how Hanlon Industries does business.
To further help create a fairer community, Hanlon Industries is getting behind this year’s Give Geelong Appeal as a matched giving partner along with Auswide Plumbing & Civil. During the Appeal thanks to the generous matched giving partners, every dollar donated will be DOUBLED up to $15,000.
There are three ways the community can get involved and support the Give Geelong Appeal:
- Footy Gear Friday on Friday 15 March. We’re encouraging Geelong to kick goals for our community by wearing your footy gear and donating to the Give Where You Live Foundation. Workplaces, sports clubs, friendship groups and schools are all encouraged to participate.
- Give Geelong Breakfast on Thursday 21 March. 7am – 9am in the President’s Room at GMHBA Stadium. Tickets available from www.givewhereyoulive.com.au/events Hear from award winning presenter and comedian, Em Rusciano.
- Make a donation to the Give Geelong Appealgivewhereyoulive.com.au
To make a donation or get involved in the appeal activities, visit givewhereyoulive.com.au