Local Canberra foundation Hands Across Canberra will be collecting funds to support vulnerable Canberrans as the charity partner at the light rail launch on Saturday 20 April.
Minister for Transport Meegan Fitzharris said that with big crowds expected to attend the free light rail launch it was an ideal fundraising opportunity.
“Hands Across Canberra supports more than 250 local charity and not for profit organisations through their fundraising efforts and annual grant giving,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“Hands Across Canberra was chosen as the charity partner for the light rail launch because of their alignment to the ACT Government’s social wellbeing priorities, their reach through so many other ACT charities and their impact since 2011.
“Over $2.5 million in fundraising from Hands Across Canberra has benefited more than 100 social projects supporting Indigenous Australians, emergency relief, domestic violence, disability and special needs and homelessness.
“You can help the fundraising effort by bringing a gold coin donation or being ready to make an electronic payment as you exit from your first light rail trip on the launch day.”
Hands Across Canberra chief executive Peter Gordon said Hands Across Canberra will ensure the money raised during the light rail launch is directed to Canberra’s most vulnerable.
“Canberrans strive to do great things such as delivering light rail and we also have great heart in helping our fellow citizens,” Mr Gordon said.
“We can both celebrate and support Canberrans as we launch the new public transport service.
“Our blue and white donation buckets and smiling faces will be ready to greet you as you finish your first trip in Gungahlin or Civic.
“Drop your gold coins in the donation buckets or make a quick a $5 donation electronically.
“Or visit our fundraising city barbecue operated by the PCYC.
“I know Canberrans are generous and I am sure we will raise a significant figure that will make a difference to the lives of many people within our community.”
Hands Across Canberra was founded in 2010 as an independent community foundation that fundraises on behalf of 250 local community service organisations. The foundation encourages all Canberrans to be generous at home. Funds raised are used to provide regular grants as well as to build a sustainable perpetual endowment fund.
See here for information on Light Rail Launch