There are a few tickets left for a special fundraising luncheon this Sunday, 6 December, to help victims of domestic violence in Ballina.
The three course meal ($50 per person) will be happening at The Cove, next door to the Ballina RSL on River Street, at 12 noon. There will also be live entertainment, an auction and raffles.
Dave Harmon is President of the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond, and one of the organisers of the event.
He said the money raised will go towards the Ballina women’s and children’s refuge, as well as care packs for people escaping domestic violence, and also to support the Love Bites education program, which aims to prevent DV before it starts.
Mr Harmon is hoping the event will raise $5,000 to help the cause.
‘This is a long term project of our club,’ he said.
‘We’ve been doing it for two and a half years, and we’re probably only halfway through where we want to be.
‘This is also all about raising awareness of domestic violence in our town, and showing that Ballina has a heart, and cares.’
Healing hearts
The Cove’s owner is Danny Singh, described by Ballina Rotary as a ‘tireless supporter’ of community projects in Ballina.
‘He’s donating half the cost of the meals to our cause,’ said Mr Harmon.
‘Danny is very passionate about domestic violence and social issues in our town, the meals for the needy that happened in March is testament to that, and Danny has been very supportive of both the homeless and women and children escaping domestic violence, and that’s what this is all about,’ said Mr Harmon.
‘We’re raising some funds to help, but also raising awareness, and Danny’s a big part of that.’
Echonetdaily asked Danny Singh why he continues to use his business in an active way to help his community.
‘We were in a position to do this well, and we get so much help from the community too. To give something back is our privilege,’ said Mr Singh.
DV figures worsening in region
‘During COVID, support agencies have told us they’d seen a definite spike, cases have risen,’ said Dave Harmon.
‘My wife heard the other day at Love Bites, from one of the guest presenters, that during the Rugby League Grand Finals, locally there was a big spike. People on the grog and COVID, the whole thing coming together.
‘Sadly right through Australia there’s been a definite rise in domestic violence.’
And what’s Love Bites all about?
Mr Harmon said, ‘We’re working really hard to get this program delivered in all schools on the Northern Rivers.
‘Currently, we have five schools coming on board. Ballina is the first one to run it this year, it’s being presented this week.
‘It’s a program aimed at Year 10 students, and it’s all about respectful relationships; how you should conduct yourself, what is a respectful relationship?
‘What is abuse? And that’s not just physical abuse, it’s about different types of control; monetary control and so on.
‘They have a survey at the end of it, and some of the feedback that comes in, it certainly hits the mark with a lot of young guys and girls.
‘And some of this artwork that you’ll see, they do art as part of the course. We’re going to have these on the tables on Sunday,’ said Mr Harmon.
‘Some of these are very powerful, I only brought a few along today.’
With only a few vacancies remaining for the big lunch on Sunday, people are invited to ring The Cove on (02) 6686 6594 and book directly.
All money raised will go directly into dealing with domestic violence in Ballina.
Danny Singh says Ballina people are always great supporters of worthy causes. He’s expecting a full house at The Cove on Sunday.
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