Bus Appeal
With your help, we did it!
Shepparton Villages has enjoyed the wonderful support of the community in raising money for two much needed buses.
The Board resolved to allocate fundraising over a two year period to purchase a specially modifed bus for residents' outings and enjoyment.
Many generous individuals, businesses and philanthropic trusts saw our need and responded positively to our overtures so that after 12 months we had raised $142,000 towards a target of $170,000.
Two fantastic things then happened...
- After in depth research we chose a Mercedes Bus with modifcations. Then, through a great deal with Ken Muston Automotive we found we could purchase two buses, not one, for the target amount.
- An offer came from the G.V. Hotel to sponsor a fundraising evening with all food, drinks and all services to be provided by the hotel at no cost to us. The Venue Manager, Mr Mark Hall made the approach on behalf of Mr Dean Grant, the Managing Director of Australian Hospitality Management - owners of the G.V. Hotel. Naturally we accepted the offer with open arms.
The evening was a huge success, everyone had a great time and including an anonymous $5,000 donation on the night we raised net $22,885, bringing our total funds to $164,885.
Although the buses have been ordered we are hoping that generous benefactors will step up for the shortfall of $5,115.
The purchase of these two buses will enable us to have an appropriate, safe and comfortable bus at each of our three villages (we already had one bus). The buses will be available to the residents in our care facilities as well as our Independent Living Unit residents.
These buses will make a positive contribution to our care programmes and support our Mission to enrich the lives of people in our care.
The buses will also provide group transport for resident outings to Beechworth (bakery etc), Bright (autumn trees) and the like, as well as shopping excursions, Christmas decoration tours, fishing trips, transport to and from The Men's Shed and many other trips that will be a boon to the wellbeing and social life of our residents.
Our Board of Management would like to thank all who have supported us by way of donations for this bus project and especially to Mr Mark Hall and his team for regarding Shepparton Villages as a worthy not-for-proft recipient of its sponsored dinner dance. In addition, we recognise the generosity and support from the Collier Charitable Fund ($25,000) and The Danks Trust ($20,000).
Our residents are indeed fortunate to have the support of our wonderful community.
Your support makes a difference. Shepparton Villages will gratefully receive any gift you make. Remember, your donation is tax deductible.
For more information or to make a tax-deductable charitable donation to Shepparton Villages, contact the Marketing Department on (03) 5832 0855 or by email at lyndela@sheppvillages.com.au.
