A Geelong charity will continue to support people living with addiction, mental health and disability thanks to the success of a recent fundraising gala.
The Power In You Project’s (PIYP) third annual charity gala was held on August 30 and raised close to $41,000 to support the charity’s free programs across Geelong and South West Victoria.
PIYP chief executive Kane Nuttall said that while fundraising was important, the event was also about raising awareness of addiction, mental health and disabilities.
“The third instalment of our annual charity gala saw profits going straight into the free programs we provide to the most vulnerable members of the Geelong community,” he said.
“We are so grateful to our event partners, especially presenting partner Empowered Liveability for supporting our cause and our commitment to making our community safer.”
Former Victoria Police detective Narelle Fraser was this year’s guest speaker, who shared her experience investigating crimes during her 27-year career and her mental health journey.
“PIYP does such an incredible job in supporting those in our community who might slip through the cracks, or who may not identify with the traditional offering of other services,” she said.
“Having so many staff with lived experience, including Kane at the helm, is important in providing a judgement-free zone and giving people choice in their mental health recovery.
“I was thrilled to come to Geelong and share experiences from my career, but more importantly, the battle I have had with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the need for better mental health services funding.”
PIYP volunteer Nigel Williams also shared his journey through addiction, poor mental health and recovery following a serious car accident during the event, along with his commitment to helping others, his wife and four children.
