The blues are bringing the community together in a fight against homelessness.
Geelong’s very own Sleepy Hollow Blues Club is hosting a Blues Music Victoria initiative to combat homelessness and raise much-needed funds for community support centre, Lazarus Community Centre. In an event titled, Blues for a Cause, the club is hosting a special fundraising evening with some of Geelong’s finest blues musicians on Sunday 27 October at Bareena Bowling Club.
Blues for a Cause
- When: Sunday 27 October 2024, 2pm – 8pm
- Where: Bareena Bowling Club, Newtown
- Tickets: Purchase here
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Blues for a Cause aims to raise much-needed funds for Lazarus Community Centre, a pivotal service support centre in the heart of Geelong. A drop-in centre for people that may be experiencing homelessness and or social isolation, Lazarus Community Centre operates on Myer Street seven days a week. The centre provides a safe place for people to go during the day where they can receive support, access a shower and clothing, have a meal for lunch, make use of the internet or phone to contact workers, sit in the outdoor garden or have a rest or chat in the indoor lounge room.
Lazarus Community Centre is upheld by dedicated volunteers who volunteer their time to prepare and service a hot lunch, facilitate access to onsite services and provide a warm and welcoming environment. There are around five paid staff that provide additional onsite assistance, make referrals, and follow up where needed. As a registered charity Lazarus Community Centre relies on the hard work and commitment of volunteers, staff, and donations from our local community.
Staggeringly, the 2021 census revealed that more than 1500 people were counted as experiencing homelessness in Geelong, a whopping 100% increase in four years. The report also showed that community service organisations like Lazarus Community Centre reported a 60% increase in demand for food and housing assistance over that past 12 months period prior to the census.
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To help Lazarus Community Centre in their ongoing mission and exceptional services, all proceeds raised from the Blues for a Cause will be donated to the organisation. Sleep Hollow Blues Club are known for their brilliant curation of blues gigs. Across the last 30 years, the club has presented well-attended gigs on a monthly basis to the community. Held every fourth Sunday, the gigs start at 3pm with a toe-dipping jam session and has a feature of bands from 6pm – 8pm. A BBQ is provided by local legends at the Geelong Lions Breakfast Club. In similar fashion the Blues for a Cause event will feature local talent of The Casuals, Shannon Bourne, Eddy & The Exciters, Alister Turrill and Maskell Love Band. Adding an hour to their usual sessions for the special event, the fundraiser will kick off from 2pm and run until 8pm.
It’s a great time for a great cause!
Tickets to the event are currently on sale at $24 for members and $35 for non-members. They can be purchased here. For further information on the Sleepy Hollow Blues Club head here and to find out about the amazing work that Lazarus Community Centre do, head here.
