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March 27, 2024

Local philanthropists raise $110k for social projects

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The panelists at Wednesday night’s NRCF fundraiser: Journalist Kerry O’Brien, writer/director Billie Pleffer, Screenworks CEO Ken Crouch and grant recipients Emily Page and Harry O’Mara.

The gap between the region’s ‘haves’ and its ‘have nots’ got a little bit narrower on Wednesday night when local philanthropists donated $110,000 to local social projects via the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF).

A healthy crowd of well-healed locals gathered at the Brunswick Heads Picture House for the NRCF’s major annual fundraiser, and they weren’t afraid to dish out the dollars for a good cause.

The theme for the night was the opportunity for local young people to get involved in the creative industries.

Local legend Kerry O’Brien hosted a panel discussion on the topic that included writer/director Billie Pleffer, Screenworks CEO Ken Crouch, and the young recipients of two film industry grants from NRCF, Emily Page and Harry O’Mara.

‘The razzmatazz of the Brunswick Picture House really added  to the spirit of giving,’ NRCF spokesperson Rea Francis said.

‘It was fantastic to see corporates, small business and individuals contributing so much to our small grants which have touched thousands of lives through 109 successful community organisation applications.’

There was a steady stream of direct donations, bids in the silent auction, and people signing up to give up one cup of coffee a day and donate the proceeds.

The Macquarie Foundation also agreed to match every dollar that was raised (this is included in the final $110,000 figure).

 The NRCF helps those in need by pooling donations into a trust and then investing the money.

The profits from that investment are then donated to local charities and community organisations. 

‘We are the bridge between those who are most vulnerable in our community and those who have a commitment to giving and helping others,’ NRCF’s chairman John Callanan said.

‘And because we are a community foundation whose funds are invested in perpetuity… the NRCF will always be here.’


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1 COMMENT

  1. Excellent Idea Every city and or Town should do this
    Many thanks to those involved to help others when times coming will be very hard for all. .

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