Central Victorian community groups, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations have been invited to register for Big Give, a day-long online fundraiser. 

On September 1, people will be able to donate to the causes registered on the website. 

The more support a group garners, the more likely they are to receive bonuses from a $30,000 prize pool. 

Bendigo Health Foundation, The OTIS Foundation, Lifeline central Victoria and Mallee, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, Golden Square CFA and Haven Home Safe have already registered.

Lifeline project manager Simon Wooldridge said the organisation was seeking to expand its limited services.

Unlike other Lifelines around Australia, Lifeline central Victoria and Mallee is unable to operate 24-hours a day and does not have an op-shop. Funding was cut last year. 

“Big Give is a great way to raise awareness of our local Lifeline services and our need to have more funds so we can get more people operating the phones,” Mr Wooldridge said.

Women’s Health Loddon Mallee has created a campaign called Equity Prevents Violence, which aims to distribute money to community groups and other people who want to prevent violence against women.

“We’ve never had a community fund before and we’ve never been able to support people who want to get behind this issue in their local community,” executive officer Linda Beilharz said. 

Golden Square CFA needs to replace an aging support vehicle, which provides LPG flare-off, rehabilitation, health monitoring, salvage and lighting equipment across central Victoria.

Haven Home Safe wants to raise $10,000 for its scholarships fund, which provides tenants with opportunities to further their studies. 

The OTIS Foundation aims to raise enough money to offer 1000 nights of retreat accommodation at no charge for women with breast cancer and their families.

Bendigo Health will use the funds raised to buy equipment for the hospital.  

The Community Foundation for Central Victoria is championing Big Give with support from the City of Greater Bendigo, Bendigo Stadium, The Borough Club, The Wellington at Botanical Gardens, and Southern Cross Austereo.