Callington camp out aims to raise $100,000 to alleviate homelessness
Callington and surrounding communities will meet around a campfire this winter for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
A camp out at Callington will help raise funds to support services for families and individuals struggling with the rising cost of living.
The June 21 event will feature live performances and guest speakers with family-friendly entertainment.
Monarto South family business Australian Portable Camps has led the planning of the event with support from other businesses, community groups and associated charities.
Event organiser Kristy Fitzgerald said it would be a wonderful night out for the community to come together under the stars at the Callington Oval with attractions ranging from fire performances to live music, a mechanical bull ride and exciting finale, as well as a brekky cook-up for anyone who stays the night.
“The camp-out is inspired by other city-based charity sleep outs, but with a focus on the country lifestyle we enjoy in Callington and supporting our local community,” she said.
The $100,000 target has been set to support a range of charities, including AC Care, Adelaide-based women’s homelessness service Catherine House and the Fred’s Van meal service, operated by Vinnies.
Australian Portable Camps co-founder Gino Martino said the rising cost of living was impacting many people in the region, and that the camp out would be a way to make a difference.
“This is our way of giving back to the community that has supported us and providing something for families to enjoy while contributing to the extraordinary work undertaken by local services, in often challenging circumstances, so they can increase their impact with people in need of support,” he said.
“Even a small contribution can have a significant impact, offering substantial hope and showing that large companies care about those in need.”
Chief executive officer Shane Maddocks said AC Care’s Murraylands Homelessness Service was facing a dramatic rise in people seeking support.
“Support from the community, such as fundraisers, increases our impact to do more and meet the growing demand for services,” he said.
“The rising cost of living and lack of affordable housing, along with growing issues around loneliness and isolation, is leading more people to seek support from our organisation to secure the stability they need now and build a more hopeful future.”
Although the event is free, bookings are encouraged to assist with planning.
For those who can’t attend, an online an online auction will be launched in coming weeks as part of the We Care campaign.
- More information, buy tickets: events.humanitix.com/we-care-cally-camp-out.
- Donate to AC Care: drct-accare.prod.supporterhub.net.
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