'You can make a difference': Residents encouraged to donate to GSF Winter Appeal

By Charmayne Allison

May 25, 2021

Residents are being encouraged to give generously to Greater Shepparton Foundation's annual Winter Appeal, which will help shelter and feed Shepparton's most vulnerable.

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Launching on June 1 and running all month, money raised from this year's appeal will be invested right back into the community.

GSF chief executive Cheryl Hammer said this year's donations would focus on addressing winter-specific issues and challenges, including housing and food insecurity.

It will also support struggling families by providing warm clothing for the chilly winter months.

“Funds are reinvested right back into the community. It doesn't go any further afield,” Ms Hammer said.

“Through giving, residents can have an impact and make a difference in somebody's life.

“And that could be their neighbour, it could be their grandparent or a family of young children they're aware of that might be struggling.”

While GSF fundraises for specific projects throughout the year, money raised through the winter appeal will be considered "discretionary funds".

“This money then sits with the foundation and people have the confidence we will do the best with it, using it for real impact,” Ms Hammer said.

“So we encourage people to consider GSF when they are thinking about making a donation, because we can guarantee that 100 per cent will go back to the community.”

In the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the appeal raised a staggering $40,000.

“We were just overwhelmed to receive that, in the middle of COVID,” Ms Hammer said.

Applications are also open for GSF's small grants program, with people encouraged to apply for grants of up to $2000.

Any not-for-profits with projects that positively impact residents or address immediate or unmet needs and meet the GSF funding criteria are invited to apply.

Above all, successful projects will align with the foundation's vision of no-one living in disadvantage in Greater Shepparton.

“We are looking for projects that will contribute to building capacity in our community,” Ms Hammer said.

“We are keen to understand what is going on at a community level, the work and initiatives that focus on tackling hardship, inequity and addressing the challenges of the most vulnerable people and groups amongst us.”

To see if you are eligible for the grants or to apply, visit greatershepparton.foundation

Applications close Monday, May 31 at 5 pm.

You can also donate to the winter appeal via the link above, using EOFY Appeal as the reference.

For more information on the grants or the winter appeal, call Ms Hammer on 0410 561 934.