The Give Where You Live Foundation held its live crowdfunding event, Pitch Up Geelong, on Thursday 5 September with three community organisations sharing their stories and collectively raising more than $100,000 to support those in our community vulnerable to the rising cost of living.
Bill Mithen, CEO of the Give Where You Live Foundation said food security and homelessness initiatives are among the Foundation’s key priorities, particularly given the increasing number of people in the Geelong region who are facing homelessness and struggling to put food on the table.
“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”.
“Pitch Up highlights how the community coming together can make a real difference for people locally. Thanks to the generosity of our matched funding partners and the 180 people who joined us at the Geelong Arts Centre, we successfully raised over $100,000 for Thread Together, Feed Me Bellarine, Geelong & Surf Coast, and The Outpost.”
Pitch Up Geelong provided a platform for the three community organisations to share their stories of impact, build support, make new connections across the community and raise vital funds.
Thread Together raised over $31,000 to contribute towards establishing their service in Geelong through a mobile wardrobe that will support those vulnerable to the rising cost of living. With brand new clothing diverted from landfill and distributed via a network of registered agencies, Thread Together brings dignity and choice to clothing people in need.
Anthony Chesler, CEO, Thread Together was speechless at the end of event, saying the amount raised would make a difference in the lives of the increasing number of people needing their support. “It’s been a wonderful experience at Pitch Up with Give Where You Live. We managed to secure $31,000 which is an outstanding outcome that will make such a difference. For as little as $5 we can provide a brand new wardrobe to a person in need. So by my calculations that’s 6000 people we can help in Geelong,” Anthony said.
The Outpost raised over $38,000 to support their ongoing operational costs. As the only non-referral, after hours service in the region offering hot healthy meals every night of the week, 365 days of the year, The Outpost can continue to keep their doors open to provide those most in need in our community with a safe space and access to essentials such as food and clothing.
Amy Flint, Chair of The Outpost said they were filled with gratitude at the chance to participate in Pitch Up Geelong.
“It was an amazing night. We are so incredibly grateful to the donors and to the Give Where You Live Foundation for giving us this opportunity. The money raised will make such a difference in our community. It will make a difference for people who will get to experience more than they’ve had in the past. And these are people that deserve the most,” Amy said.
Feed Me Bellarine, Geelong & Surf Coast raised over $31,000 to help them continue to turn perfectly good food waste into meals to feed those in need. With our region facing significantly higher levels of food insecurity compared to the state average; 14% of Barwon residents are running out of food and cannot afford to buy more, Feed Me aims to reach and nourish thousands more in our community, providing them with the dignity and respect they deserve. Lana Purcell, CEO and co-founder of Feed Me was delighted with the amount raised on the night.
“It was an incredible experience to have so many community members come together to raise money and connect. $30,000 absolutely equates to 30,000 meals going back out into our community and feeding people that are struggling to feed themselves,” Lana said.
On the night at Pitch Up Geelong, donations were matched up to $30,000 thanks to the Give Where You Live Foundation and other matched funding partners Anthony Costa Foundation, Built, and Findex Community Fund.
The event was also supported by event partners, Evans and Partners, and Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Events Centre.
Photos: Ferne Millen photography