The Give Where You Live Foundation is extremely thankful for the support of the Geelong community for generously getting behind its 2026 Give Geelong Appeal.
The week long appeal, which kicked off with local organisations wearing their footy gear on Friday 13 March and also included the Give Geelong Breakfast, wrapped up very generously on Friday 20 March with close to $100,000 raised for the Geelong community.
Local businesses joined in on the fun of ‘Footy Gear Friday’ by wearing their team colours and supporting their community, with donations to the Appeal matched up to $15,000 thanks to generous partners, Hanlon Industries and Virtual IT Group.
Elly Hanlon, CEO of Hanlon Industries said they were pleased to be able to amplify the generosity of donors and support the community.
“As a business with strong ties to the region, supporting the Give Geelong Appeal aligns with our commitment to the communities we operate in. We were proud to be a matched giving partner for the Appeal again this year and support the incredible local organisations making a difference in Geelong.”
Close to 250 people joined the Foundation at the Give Geelong Breakfast where actor, author and advocate, Madeleine West shared powerful insights in honesty, courage and connection. Proudly supported by BBC Digital and first time partners, Australian Skin Face Body, the long running event showed incredible support for the community.
All funds raised will have an impact in the region and support the Foundation’s work in creating positive and lasting change for a fairer community. The Give Geelong Appeal is a major fundraiser that supports the Foundation’s annual grants program, providing vital funding to local organisations delivering frontline support right across the region.
Give Where You Live Foundation CEO, Zac Lewis said the Foundation was delighted that the community had shown its support by getting behind the appeal.
“We acknowledge that any donation is an incredible gift to our community, particularly with the current cost of living and rising fuel costs, when so many in our region are facing financial pressures of their own. We are delighted with the support we received from the Geelong community who have really showed up to support each other.”
“Our work is not possible without the generosity of the community. Because of this support, we will be able to make real change to many people’s lives and fund local organisations delivering frontline support right across the region. This generosity will help us to continue to fund our grant program and focus on the areas putting pressure on our community right now.”
“We would also like to thank our Appeal partners, Hanlon Industries and Virtual IT Group, K Rock 95.5, Bay 93.9, Times News Group and our Breakfast sponsors BBC Digital and Australian Skin Face Body for their ongoing support in helping the Foundation to create a fairer community.”