After a month of campaigning, central Victoria’s first community giving initiative will soon reach its peak.
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The Big Give ends on September 1 in a 24-hour fundraising frenzy.
Community Foundation for Central Victoria executive officer Ann Lansberry urged the community to give generously, as causes with the most unique donors on the day stand to win a share in a $31,000 prize pool.
A total of $26,000 was donated to Big Give causes during August.
Several of the participants will host events throughout the day to rally further support.
Mirawara Outdoor and Environmental Education will be embarking on a 15 metre climb at Mount Alexander to raise funds and awareness of its cause.
It’s seeking $15,000 for climbing and safety equipment, a first aid kit, license fees and insurance to continue and expand its services.
Spokeswoman Kia Smith said three climbers would be ascending Dog Rocks from 10am until 6pm.
How far and fast they move will be determined by the donations they receive.
Miss Smith said people could follow their progress on the Mirawara Facebook page.
Lifeline Central Victoria and Mallee will host a luncheon in Bendigo for its volunteers.
The organisation aims to raise $5000 with its Big Give campaign, which will provide materials for 20 new volunteers during their two-month training period.
Materials include a suicide intervention workshop, mental health first aid training and crisis supporter workplace training.
Lifeline Central Victoria and Mallee chief executive officer Leo Schultz said 45 potential volunteers attended an information night at the La Trobe University Visual Arts Centre on Tuesday evening.
“Support from the community is essential for us to continue our life-saving work,” he said.
Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre will host a morning tea at 10.30am in Bendigo Library activity room two.
Spokeswoman Hannah Arnold invited the community to attend, and said any donations would be most welcome.
The BVRC seeks to raise $5000 with its Cheers for Volunteers campaign, which will support the centre to continue its work.
Ms Lansberry believes The Big Give is Australia’s first online collective community fundraising event.
Community calls for support
Seventy central Victorian not-for-profit organisations, sports clubs and community groups will be competing for the community’s generosity today.
The Big Giving Day is the culmination of a month-long online fundraising campaign.
Prizes from a $31,000 prize pool will be awarded to causes with the most unique donors from midnight until 11.59pm.
Major prize winners will be announced and awarded on Friday.
Community Foundation for Central Victoria executive officer Ann Lansberry said people could donate via the Big Give website.
Radius Disability Services staff have invited people who need help accessing or using the website to come into Morley’s Emporium during business hours for assistance.
See the Bendigo Advertiser website on September 1 for coverage of the Big Giving Day.