Homelessness charities receive donations worth $185,000
Money raised at the Cally Camp Out has been donated to local charities in support of people experiencing homelessness.
The We Care Cally Camp Out has raised a remarkable $185,000 for South Australian charities to support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Callington oval for the camp out on June 21 and enjoyed live music, fire performers, a stunt juggler and other entertainers.
The night also included campfires, children’s activities and mechanical bull rides, along with a fireworks finale.
Major donations announced on the night included:
- $100,000 to Murraylands homelessness service AC Care
- $65,000 to Adelaide-based women’s homelessness service Catherine House
- $10,000 to Vinnies’ Fred’s Van meal service
- $10,000 to the Salvation Army’s Murraylands corps
AC Care chief executive officer Shane Maddocks welcomed the major donation at a time when the Murraylands Homelessness Service continued to face a dramatic rise in people seeking support.
“The rising cost of living and lack of affordable housing, along with growing issues around loneliness and isolation, is leading more people to secure stability,” Mr Maddocks said.
“The donation of $100,000 will truly make a difference in helping us achieve our mission of ensuring country South Australians have safe homes, enough money to live on and strong, positive relationships, especially in the Murraylands.
“We know we can achieve more meaningful change for individuals by working together with, and supported by, the community.”
The inaugural event was presented by Monarto South family business Australian Portable Camps, including directors Frank and Gino Martino and their staff.
Event spokesperson Kristy Fitzgerald said organisers were thrilled with the success of the event with an outstanding fundraising result and strong community turnout.
“It really demonstrated the community spirit in the Callington and Murraylands area, with people uniting to make a difference while enjoying a night of entertainment,” she said.
“The camp out showed we care about people doing it tough and can make a difference when we all come together behind a common cause.”
The event also featured the launch of a food van developed by Australian Portable Camps under the leadership of director Frank Martino, to regularly provide meals to people in need of support across Adelaide and the Murraylands.
Gino Martino said the rising cost of living was having an impact on many people, and that the company wanted to make a difference in the community.
“The Cally Camp Out is one way we are 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,” he said.
- See more photos: ...
Stories create community. Help Murray Bridge News tell our community’s stories by subscribing today.
