SunnyKids Cooroy Family Support Centre will be a major recipient of funds raised at the ‘Mingle with the Mayor’ Ball on 31 July.
Being held at the Sofitel Noosa Resort, proceeds from the event will directly assist those most vulnerable in our community.
Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart made a personal visit to SunnyKids on Wednesday 2 June to share the good news and discuss how the much needed funds would be used.
“Domestic and family violence is a huge problem Australia-wide and unfortunately the Sunshine Coast is not immune,” Mayor Stewart said.
“Police advised me recently that they’ve seen an increase of over 40 percent in domestic violence issues in the past 12 – 18 months in our region alone,” Ms Stewart said.
SunnyKids has a team of experienced and devoted individuals offering emergency accommodation, domestic violence counselling and education programs for Sunshine Coast families in need.
“I’m thrilled that an injection of funds will make it possible for them to increase services not only in Cooroy, but hopefully across the Noosa Shire,” Ms Stewart said.
SunnyKids General Manager, Kathleen Hope, was delighted with the prospect of a funding boost and said frontline services were in huge demand.
“Each year we provide 8000 nights emergency accommodation and since COVID19 hit, we have seen an increase in people seeking our help,“ Ms Hope said.
“Any funds we receive from the Ball will be put towards increasing our
counselling and support services for local families, including children who often experience severe disruption due to domestic and family violence.“
Mayor Stewart is the Ball’s patron and said she was incredibly proud of the work being done by the event organising committee lead by local businesswoman, Josanne Falla.
“I can’t thank the Noosa Circle and Events4GreaterGood women enough. It’s wonderful that they’ve chosen SunnyKids as a recipient of funds. Their efforts to improve the lives of those most in need is inspiring. They’re a shining light to all,” Mayor Stewart said.
Ms Falla said the organising committee was extremely grateful to the Mayor for her support and said the local business community are true heroes.
“Our local business people are amazingly generous and deserve a gold star for their donations, big and small. Fantastic prizes for raffles and auctions have been donated so that the Noosa Shire’s most vulnerable families will have a better chance of getting the help they need,” Ms Falla said.
Television personality and anti-DFV campaigner, Kay McGrath, will be the Ball’s Master of Ceremonies.
“We feel very fortunate to have someone of Kay’s calibre joining us on the night. She has been a tireless crusader over many years to give a voice to domestic violence issues and also in her efforts as a child protection
campaigner,” Ms Falla said.
Tickets to the Ball are sold out but you can contribute to the cause by bidding on the evening. Here’s a taste of the fabulous auction items which will be available to bid on.
A Peugeot Django 150 Scooter (black) with insurance, helmet, stamp duty and registration included, retail value $5,770. Tickets $50.
A 1.21 carat, round brilliant cut diamond, G colour, S1 2 clarity, cut grade “Excellent”, retail value of $24,000. Tickets $100.
Please go to link below to buy raffle tickets: app.galabid.com/mayorsball
