Give Where You Live Foundation and GeelongPort are leading fundraising efforts for Northern Futures, a community organisation which has delivered high quality and much-needed employment support addressing generational disadvantage in Geelong’s northern suburbs. GMC members have been strong supporters of the organisation over many years. To support the appeal, go to Northern Futures Appeal (raisely.com).
Geelong’s Give Where You Live Foundation and GeelongPort have teamed with Northern Futures and held a Giving Day Appeal on 6 December. The online campaign aimed to raise funds for the continuation of Northern Futures, which is at risk of closure following State government funding cuts. All donations made on 6 December, which saw the launch of the Northern Futures Appeal will be DOUBLED* thanks to the generous support of Give Where You Live Foundation and GeelongPort (*up to $60,000).
“Northern Futures is very grateful to the Give Where You Live Foundation and GeelongPort for stepping forward to help,” said Northern Futures Board Chair Rob Birch. “Even before our public announcement, Give Where You Live Foundation committed to organising a Giving Day. Now GeelongPort has joined with Give Where You Live to lead fundraising efforts. “We encourage other Geelong businesses to support Northern Futures to continue its successful education to employment programs in the north.”
Quote from Bill Mithen, CEO, Give Where You Live Foundation:
“Having access to education and quality employment opportunities help support people to participate in their community and improve their life outcomes. Unfortunately, there are still many people in our community who either don’t have access or have barriers to participation in education and employment.
The Federal Government’s recent ‘Inquiry into Workforce Australia Employment Services’ report called for more individualised support for priority jobseekers. This is something the Foundation and our GROW initiative have been advocating strongly for over many years. Northern Futures has a high success rate of supporting people into employment through doing just that. Their approach includes preemployment training, foundational skills development and mentoring.
“This is why the Give Where You Live Foundation is proudly supporting Northern Futures, who are urgently seeking funding from Government, local businesses and other philanthropic organisations, to ensure the continuation of their vital programs and services.”
Quote from Brett Winter, CEO, GeelongPort
“GeelongPort can see the meaningful impact that Northern Futures has in providing education and employment pathways for people in Geelong’s northern suburbs, one of Victoria’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. GeelongPort has been part of the social fabric of North Geelong for more than 150 years, and we believe when the community calls for help, it’s important that local businesses step up to the plate to lend a hand.”