Women Up North CEO Jillian Knight-Smith has thanked the Lismore community for supporting the Women Up North Spring Gala on Saturday 19 October.
Ms Knight-Smith says the Northern Rivers came together to create a highly successful fund-raising evening for women and children experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence in the Northern Rivers.
‘It was a memorable evening,’ she said. ‘Jenny Smith gave us an inspiring and humbling welcome to country followed by a performance by the talented Ninhi Nari Gali Bundjalung dance group.’
$90,000
Sponsors and donors of the Women Up North Spring Gala raised approximately $90,000. ‘We are so grateful,’ said Ms Knight-Smith.
‘It is such a huge relief for all of us at WUN to know that we are able to to support women and children in dire need, to help women to leave violence and have a hope of affording to set up and find a new home.
‘This money will pay for removalist trucks, ensure families have money for food, petrol, phones and travel, it will repair and register cars, assist children to go to and participate at school with dignity because they lunch and uniforms, support families to find and keep housing and access emergency accommodation and transport.
‘Many families are forced to stay in violent and unhappy homes as they just cannot afford to leave. she said.
‘These funds will enable women to form and implement safety plans, so that can leave violence behind. Last year Women Up North spent in excess of $138,000 supporting over 920 women and children be safe from domestic, family and sexual violence. We expect this year’s numbers will be higher.’
Christmas threat
Ms Knight Smith said that as Christmas approaches, it is more important than ever to be able to respond to the immediate needs of women and children at risk.
‘On Saturday night our community came out, looked fabulous and danced with us to the amazing Lisa Hunt. Women Up North is giving a huge shout-out to our community, volunteers, students, workers, board, donors, sponsors, raffle donors, supporters and auction participants,’ she said.
‘You supported us to engage in our community and business world. It has been a privilege to get to know you and work with you, dance with you and make a difference in the lives of women and children experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.
‘Together we make a difference, together we say No to violence.’
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