Kiwanis Club president Tony Nappa yesterday presented a $1000 cheque towards a homelessness fundraising drive organised by City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O’Keeffe.
Mr Nappa said the club’s focus was on supporting children, but members decided to contribute to the homeless fund because many children were affected by homelessness.
‘‘The money is going to a great cause,’’ he said.
‘‘Those people that we help may have children, they may be living in their cars or on the street.
‘‘We hate to see kids in streets, we like to support kids.’’
The fundraising drive has so far raised more than $7000, which will go directly towards helping homeless people in the Shepparton region.
Mr Nappa said a member brought the mayor’s fundraiser to the club’s attention and explained the dire situation in the local community.
‘‘There is such a need for this,’’ he said.
‘‘Homelessness is a silent thing that is happening all over Australia, it’s not really seen.
‘‘People think it is elsewhere in India or in the major cities, but it’s happening right here in Shepparton.’’
Food Share, Azem Elmaz and the Salvation Army work within the fundraising drive to best direct the donations.
Cr O’Keeffe said the drive was something which was helping address homelessness right now and at a ground level.
‘‘This is only the beginning, we have started something, so we really have to finish it,’’ she said.
‘‘There’s lots of work to do, but I am very happy with the incredible support we’ve had.’’
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