The coronavirus pandemic is having a devastating impact on Australian charities and in particular those that rely on events for fundraising, and smaller community-based organisations, 9Honey reports.
Variety – a charity that helps sick and disadvantaged kids around the nation – receives most of it’s funding from events that have now been cancelled including the Variety Bash.
Variety NSW CEO David Sexton says the impact of diminished funds been significant.
“The greatest impact is on out ability to raise funds to support the work we do. We are largely an events based organisation with our most iconic event being the Variety Bash,” he told 9Honey. “We’ve had to cancel or postpone many events already and it’s likely this will extend to others which were planned in the coming months.
“As a result, the funds we raise has been significantly impacted, and in turn our ability to support kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with disability.”
Mental health support service Lifeline has also taken a huge hit which is a major concern as there has been a major increase in the number of Australians reaching out for support during the ongoing coronavirus crisis, despite a recent injection of cash from the government.
Lisa Cheng, Executive Director of Marketing and Fundraising at Lifeline Australia says the organisation is facing a revenue loss of $5 million which is needed to ensure they can “be there for every Australian who needs us”.
Western Sydney community charity StreetMed that feeds and cares for the homeless is facing a critical situation after founder Chris Cleary had to stand down all of her volunteers to protect their health.
FULL STORY
The devastating impact coronavirus is having on Australian charities (Honey)
Coronavirus hospitality closures have unexpected silver lining for food rescue charities (ABC News)
OzHarvest CEO Ronni Kahn asks for donations as the charity struggles due to coronavirus (7News)
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