The Give Where You Live Foundation is pleased to bring live crowd funding to the Geelong Arts Centre with Pitch Up Geelong on Thursday 5 September.
Three charity organisations, The Outpost, Feed Me and Thread Together, will share the need they see in the community and pitch their stories, visions and solutions for creating a fairer future for those vulnerable to the rising cost of living across Geelong.
Pitch Up Geelong is a live crowdfunding event that aims to build connections between business, individuals and the social sector, and turns compassion into action. The event provides a platform for community organisations to share stories of impact, build support and raise vital funds. Past events have inspired laughter, tears, and generosity for programs that have the potential to change lives.
None more so than for local man Andrew, who at the 2023 event (which focused on homelessness), pitched on behalf of Lazarus Community Centre. Andrew, who opened his 2023 Pitch by sharing “I’m homeless, but I’m not hopeless because I have a place like Lazarus,” had been living out of his car for 10 months. In a heartwarming moment during the event, Andrew connected with the Department of Housing who offered him a permanent home.
Bill Mithen, CEO of the Give Where You Live Foundation said, “We’re pleased The Outpost, Feed Me Geelong, Bellarine & Surf Coast, and Thread Together will pitch their programs at the event. Funds raised will support these organisations to assist people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity to connect with services and receive the support they need.”
A donation at this event will have an immediate and local impact. “Your donation will support people in our community experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, to help meet their basic needs. And every dollar donated on the night will have double the impact, as all donations made at the event are matched by generous matched giving partners,” Bill Mithen said.
Local Geelong food relief and homelessness services are experiencing unprecedented demand. In 2021-2022 the network of homelessness funded services across the Barwon region, assisted over 5,600 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. While local food relief agencies have also experienced service demand growth, with over 34,293 meals distributed in our community.
“As the cost of groceries and living expenses continue to rise, so does the number of people in our community reaching out to food relief and homelessness agencies for support. Through our Community Choice voucher program, the Foundation collects real time data and over the past three months we’ve seen a 15% increase in the number of people who are seeking support due to cost of living pressures.” Bill Mithen said.
“The Give Where You Live Foundation is working hard to create a fairer, more equitable Geelong, where all people and places thrive, and we can only do that with the support of our community. This event is a chance for the people of Geelong to come together and help raise funds that will help change people’s lives. We invite the community to come along and be part of this high energy and entertaining fundraising event.”
Lana Purcell, CEO and co-founder of Feed Me said they were filled with gratitude at the chance to participate in Pitch Up Geelong in 2024. “This partnership with the Give Where You Live Foundation empowers Feed Me to reach and nourish thousands more in our community, providing them with the dignity and respect they deserve. Together, we can ensure that every person has access to the nourishment they need to thrive.”
You can assist these three organisations so that everyone in our community has access to sufficient and healthy food and a safe place to call home, by attending Pitch Up Geelong. Attendance is free and registrations are available at givewhereyoulive.com.au.