UPDATE NOON:
Redlands Centre for Women founder Katrina Beutel said $10,000 had been confirmed raised from the Redlands Community Breakfast after the money was counted over the weekend.
“We made it to the target of $10,000 at breakfast,” she said. "I am humbled by the generosity of the Redlands Community.”
The annual Redlands Community Breakfast, which was attended by about 190 guests, was held at Redlands RSL last Friday, May 5.
For more, visit redlandscentreforwomen.com.
EARLIER:
AN early morning gathering on Friday of about 190 people has helped cover operational costs at the Redlands Centre for Women.
The annual Redlands Community Breakfast was held at Redlands RSL and, emceed by former Member for Redlands Peter Dowling, prizes were given away to lucky guests.
Organiser Sheena Hewlett said the event aimed to raise $10,000 for the women’s centre and, while final proceeds were yet to be counted, the target was well within reach.
Redlands Centre for Women founder Katrina Beutel said the money would help transition the centre into a staffed service.
“Our volunteers have achieved amazing results, but we’ve reached the point where funding for professional staff is critical for us to move forward effectively,” she said.
Ms Beutel said the centre, which provided coaching and social support, also provided services similar to those offered by government-funded organisations.
“Local domestic and family violence, mental health and other services are increasingly seeing us as an alternate pathway for client support or community reintegration,” she said.
As guests dined on fruit, pastries and a plated breakfast, Ms Beutel reminded them of the damage that would be caused to vulnerable women if the service was to closed due to a shortage of resources.
She said guests could help by advocating for the women’s centre in the battle to secure funding.
The event was attended by community groups, sponsors, members of the public and invited guests, including Springwood MP Mick de Brenni, who used the platform to campaign for Labor in political speech.
For information about Redlands Centre for Women, visit redlandscentreforwomen.com.
