The Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast (SJASC) homelessness cause 'It's Up to Us' has received a big boost thanks to the Pambula Motorfest committee.
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Motorfest was one of three big events that had agreed to make a donation to 'It's Up to Us' but the group had not been able to run an event for 2020 or 2021 due to COVID restrictions. This has meant that the event had not been able to raise money for the many local groups and charities that they would normally support after each Motorfest, the president Jessica Porter said.
"In light of this the Pambula Motorfest committee held a meeting to consider how the event could support the local community despite not having an event in 2021," she said.
"This year we feel there is a particular urgency to support social housing in the Bega Valley, and knowing of the Social Justice Advocates current cause we felt compelled to assist," Jessica said.
Motorfest has been able to make available some funds by reallocating part of a grant received in 2020, with the approval of the grant funding organisation.
"We have been able to free up $10,000 to donate to the Social Justice Advocates cause, which we hope will put them a substantial step closer to their $100,000 goal by Christmas," Jessica said.
Co-chair of the SJASC Gavin Bell, said the amount was totally unexpected.
"The $10,000 is an absolute bonus. It's community helping community and coming from within," Gavin said.
"It brings us to $95,000 raised to meet our goal of $100,000 by Christmas."
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Jessica said that social housing was a huge issue locally and a very important one for many, even more so coming into the holiday season.
The SJA had been relying on several events for funding this year, including Pambula Motorfest, that were unable to proceed due to COVID.
Pambula Motorfest is looking forward to returning in 2022.
"The Total Tools 2022 Pambula Motorfest and the Bendigo Bank Meet & Greet Community Cruise are very important events for the local community and raise funds for the local area, and this would not be possible without our sponsors," Jessica said.
"We would like to thank each and every sponsor and the many local businesses that support the event, and we look forward to welcoming any new sponsors for 2022."