Local charity, the SHIFT Project celebrates its fifth birthday on International Women’s Day this year with their annual IWD lunch, auction and raffle on March 6 at Elements of Byron from 11.30am – 2.30pm.
What started as an improbable idea of how to break the cycle of homelessness for at risk women, has now blossomed into a proven success with graduates living independently, and flourishing, as valued members of the community. Their 12 week program of counselling, work experience, education and support has a tremendous success rate of over 90 per cent.
2019 Byron Shire Citizen of the year and SHIFT Project founder Anne Goslett says, ‘I worked in the government system for 30 years, and I saw the same people returning again and again, never being able to overcome their challenges.
‘I came to a career crossroads and, with the support of some incredible people, took the plunge and started The SHIFT Project. I am overwhelmed with the community support we have had over the years and the fact that we are still here after five years is incredible.
‘This year’s IWD theme is #EachforEqual, which segues perfectly into the ethos of The SHIFT Project, as equality enables women. We’re all responsible for our thoughts and actions and we can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and help create a gender equal world’.
This hot ticket luncheon is already sold out, which demonstrates the community support for the work this local charity does.
As their annual fundraiser it’s the cornerstone to continued success in helping women from disadvantage to empowerment, and fullfiling their potential.
There will also be an update on their exciting new project, The Linen SHIFT.
Linen SHIFT
An intrinsic part of the fundraising on IWD are the auctions and raffles, with incredible prizes, including diamond jewellery, dinner cooked by Masterchef Simon Toohey, luxury accommodation at the northern beaches and much more.
If you can’t be at the lunch you can still support SHIFT and be involved by bidding, contact Justine Dorrell on 0414 584 758.
During the event Anne will share both the obstacles and successes they have had, followed by a panel discussion chaired by Caroline Glanville-Jones, international speaker on resilience and transformation.
The panel includes SHIFT Project Founder and Managing DirectorAnne Goslett, Arakwal Custodian Delta Kay and comedian, journalist, author and local activist Mandy Nolan.
It’s going to be an incredible lunch with such powerful icons feeding the brain and the soul while Elements feeds the body.
For more information on The SHIFT project go to: www.shiftproject.org.au.
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