THE Greater Shepparton Foundation is launching its annual ‘End Of Financial Year Appeal (EOFY)’ to support local programs that aim to relieve the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis.
This year, all tax-deductible donations made to the appeal will contribute to projects delivered by frontline support services to assist vulnerable residents of Greater Shepparton who are facing rental stress, food insecurity, and other daily living costs.
The cost-of-living crisis is disproportionately affecting many in the community and pushing more and more families into poverty, with homelessness being an increasingly significant issue.
Securing any type of affordable housing is incredibly difficult, especially for those on a low income or who have been displaced due to the floods, fleeing domestic violence, or suffering mental health conditions. Families are at the forefront of the cost-of-living crisis, with Beyond Housing reporting a 17 percent surge in families requesting support in 2020/21 and 61.3 percent of homeless people identifying as female.
The foundation’s executive officer, Amanda McCulloch, emphasized the need to respond to the community’s needs, and urged people to make a tax-deductible donation that would directly support local programs that deliver food relief, clothing, household items, and other comforts to vulnerable people in the community.
Funds raised via the appeal will be distributed through the foundation’s Grants Program, which will open in July. Eligible frontline support services that deliver projects that provide a hand up to the community’s most vulnerable members are encouraged to apply.
A tax-deductible donation can be made to Greater Shepparton Foundation’s End of Financial Year Appeal via the ‘Donate’ page on the website www.greatershepparton.foundation Alternately, individual or business wishing to discuss their contribution can contact Amanda on 0447 400 443.
