THE fundraising tally towards an Orange Sky Laundry van on the Mid North Coast has hit $23,000 in three months.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The laundry van, to be based at Port Macquarie, will give the homeless from Taree to Kempsey free access to washing machines and dryers.
It will also foster conversation and community connections.
Erin Denham from non-profit group Make a Difference said people were getting behind one of the most vulnerable or disadvantaged groups in the community.
“I think there is a genuine interest in people wanting to make a difference in the lives of others,” she said.
“This is something tangible where you can see the difference.”
Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams secured a one-off funding grant of $5000.
Mrs Williams described the fundraising for the Orange Sky Laundry van as such a worthwhile venture.
“The NSW Government has been able to assist Erin and her amazing team with $5000 through the Regional Communities Fund and I know this has provided the foundation with a real motivation to reach their goal,” she said.
Upcoming community fundraisers will boost the total too.
Make a Difference has partnered with Black Duck Brewery for a beer and pizza fest on March 31.
The Hastings Rotaract glow in the dark zumba party at Your Life Fitness Centre on March 31 will also support the cause.
Fundraising will have a Latin flavour at the Town Green Inn on May 26 with Fiesta De Make A Difference.
There will be live music from Mat Brooker and friends, tapas-style canapes, complimentary cocktail on arrival, live dance show from Port Dance Studio, Latin cake auction, charity cocktail and raffles.
Town Green Inn will donate $20 for every ticket sold to Make a Difference.
Taphouse Group’s area manager Philip McGrath said Make a Difference has an incredible vision for helping the homeless in the Hastings and to be a part of that is an honour.
Tickets can be booked at stickytickets.com.au.
Other fundraisers include a golf charity day at Emerald Downs Golf Course on June 17 and a day of jazz at Bago Vineyards on July 9.
Mrs Denham said the campaign was also raising awareness and breaking down the stigma around homelessness.