Fundraiser: Echuca Toyota’s Emma and John Merritt with Community Living & Respite Services chief executive Leah Taaffe. A Toyota Corolla is being raffled off to raise money for the Opening Doors Project.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
One lucky winner will walk away with a brand new Toyota Corolla and it’s all for a great cause — independent, supported living for people with disability in Echuca-Moama.
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In lieu of its annual fundraising dinner, unfeasible because of COVID-19, Community Living & Respite Services has launched a car raffle in partnership with Echuca Toyota.
All proceeds will go towards the Opening Doors Project, which provides people with disability the opportunity to live independently in the community while still receiving the support they need.
“We’ve seen huge growth in the people who have lived with us,” CLRS chief executive Leah Taaffe said.
“We’ve had people who started living with us in one of our fully supported 24/7 residential homes who have built their skills and chosen to move out into one of the units independently.
“That’s massively beneficial because then people have control over their own lives and choices — that’s a really important thing.”
Once construction is completed on the latest Barry St project, expected at the end of April, CLRS will have achieved a total of 20 spaces for people with disability to live locally.
The Barry St project is different to the previous three, with four separate units for people to live alone with staff onsite overnight, rather than in a share house set up.
“During our previous projects we identified the need for people who don’t have the capacity to live with others but still want to be social and need some support around them,” Ms Taaffe said.
“Having a space and environment that is secure, functional and helps you be as independent as you possibly can is of huge benefit to anyone, but particularly for people with disability who struggle to find those opportunities locally.”
CLRS launched the fundraising initiative through social media on Wednesday and aims to raise $75,000 towards the Opening Doors Project.
A 2022 eclectic blue Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hatch valued at $27,350 including on-road costs will be raffled off, in partnership with Echuca Toyota, Edge FM, Riverine Herald and Moama Bowling Club.
Up for grabs: The eclectic blue Toyota Corolla is being raffled off by CLRS in partnership with Echuca Toyota.
There are only 3000 tickets available, for $25 each, and the lucky winner will be drawn on June 17.
With the support of major sponsors Moama RSL, Rich River Golf Club, Echuca Workers Club, Murray River Council, Echuca Printers and Riverboats Music Festival, 100 per cent of ticket sales will go towards the Opening Doors Project.
“The support the community shows us is hugely appreciated and we couldn’t do what we do without them,” Ms Taaffe said.
Raffle tickets are available at CLRS offices, the Murray River Tea Rooms and by visiting www.trybooking.com/BWLJY
If you would like a book of tickets to buy or sell please get in touch with Gillian Noelker on 5480 2388 or ea@clrs.org.au books are available with five or 10 tickets.
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