A local social enterprise is fundraising for a new vehicle to help expand its community development projects and maximise their impact.
A profit-for-purpose organisation focused on urban agriculture and therapeutic horticulture, Wyld Work Projects runs a multitude of projects at its community farm on the Bellarine, the Geelong Botanic Gardens, Cloverdale Community Centre and The Heights historic property in Newtown.
Having delivered projects such as Greening the Mall in Centrepoint Arcade, Wyld Work Projects works with organisations such as Corrections Victoria, local neighbourhood houses and food assistance groups in Geelong and the Bellarine.
The fundraising campaign seeks to raise $20,000 by November 25 to buy a new ute from local dealership Blood Toyota to be better able to expand program reach, transport plants and deliver produce around the region.
Founder Rebecca Taylor said asking the community for help had been confronting given the work the organisation has done to be self-sufficient rather than relying on grants, but the new ute would be a “game-changer”.
“Absolutely every centre of profit that we make goes straight back into our programs and projects to expand what we currently offer or it goes into new opportunities,” Ms Taylor said.
Ms Taylor said the biggest impacts she saw on Wyld Work program participants were a growth in self-esteem and a greater sense of connection to the community around them.
“The look on someone’s face the first time they manage to have a seed sprout for them, or they pick the first strawberry that they’ve ever grown, there’s just no words to describe that,” she said.
Visit gofundme.com/f/much-needed-ute to contribute or email contact@wyldworkprojects.com.au to donate directly.
