Community comes to the rescue
The Luncheon Club has been overwhelmed with calls of support and offers of help in the last week -“ but the organisation is not out of the woods yet.
On top of $1000 cheques recently handed to the organisation by the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association and Harbour City Bears, a number of clubs and organisations have offered to hold fundraisers.
The great thing about donating to our charity is that, unlike other larger charities, all donor money goes straight to the people who need it, Luncheon Club founder Carol Ann King said.
The charity, which helps on average 45 people a week, has been facing financial difficulties since the closure of several GLBT venues, including the Newtown Hotel and Manacle, though the future may be looking brighter.
Kinselas Middle Bar has offered to hold a fundraising night next month, Arq has stepped up and offered to donate its door takings as part of a fundraising initiative and, possibly most excitingly, Manacle has pledged door takings from one night once it re-opens in a yet-to-be-revealed location.
Penny Gulliver, who runs her own salsa and self-defence classes, has also done much to bolster spirits by donating $1000 as well.
HIV is still an issue, mental health is still an issue, King said.
This is a crucial time for us. We are appreciative to the larger organisations who have donated to us, but we need individuals from the community to help us out as well, or we are facing the very real prospect of folding.
Info: If you would like to donate to the Luncheon Club you can via its website, www.luncheonclub.org.au, or leave cash and food donations at the Sydney Star Observer office, level 3, 21 Oxford St, Darlinghurst.
