CAREVAN’S annual fund-raiser is around the corner and chief executive Jodie Tiernan hopes the Albury-Wodonga community will rally behind the $150-a-head dinner.
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Carevan Foundation’s Winter Wonderland Gala will feature Brent Street in cabaret and special guest Matt Lee, star of Mary Poppins and So You Think You Can Dance.
It will take place at The Scots School, Albury, on Saturday, June 1.
Schools will also have the chance to watch Street in a matinee performance for $10 and take part in dance workshops.
“All funds raised help to keep Carevan going and keep on giving the services we provide to the community around Albury-Wodonga,” she said.
“It really helps us provide our programs and keep going out 51 weeks of the year.”
Carevan was last year named NSW Volunteer Team of the Year.
In April it served up its 22,000th meal to the Border’s homeless and disadvantaged.
Ms Tiernan said she hoped the black tie event and the Street performance would help raise $50,000.
The money would help pay for rent on the charity’s depot, electricity and utilities and fuel to get out to Carevan sites.
“We go out four nights a week and now we’re doing Midnight Basketball in Albury and Wodonga,” Ms Tiernan said.
“It’s what Carevan’s all about — we want to assist these kids and build a rapport with them.
“The only week we have off each year is the week of Christmas.”
Ms Tiernan said Carevan was the fastest growing charity in NSW.
After Albury-Wodonga led the way, Carevan took off in Wangaratta in 2011, Blacktown and the Central Coast last year and Griffith will open later this year.
“We have a dream and the gala dinner is an opportunity to thank all the volunteers and supporters for sharing our vision in helping those less fortunate in our community,” Ms Tiernan said.
“From when we start I’ve seen individuals who would sit by themselves.
“But now we have one big, long table and those who require our service all sit together and are part of our Carevan family now.
“On a cold, wet winter night one individual living in poverty gave up her couch to give someone a night out of the rain.
“That’s what Carevan has created, and it’s created awareness and included people back into society.”
To support Carevan visit carevan.com.au
