UPDATE: A Bega Valley charity has experienced a major boost, raising an astonishing $30,000 from a fashion store liquidation event that took place earlier today. The store, which had been closed for six months, reopened exclusively to benefit the Sapphire Community Projects, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local residents in need.
Mandi Rush, the manager of Sapphire Community Projects, expressed her excitement about the opportunity. “When we got the call from Jo at Bega Village, I was over the moon,” Rush said. “They had authorization to let us sell all the stock left behind by the previous company, and it was a huge success.” The event drew crowds reminiscent of a Black Friday sale, with customers waiting over an hour to check out.
Funds raised during this event will directly support Ricky’s Place, ensuring they can provide a Christmas lunch and purchase new appliances. Rush highlighted the charity’s ongoing commitment to community support, stating, “We have provided close to $23,000 in food hampers over the last financial year. These funds will help us continue supplying food hampers for those in need throughout the year.”
Joanna Ravan, the retail property manager for Bega Village and Merimbula Square, noted the shopping centre’s dedication to assisting the pantry through various fundraising initiatives. “Bega Village is proud to continue its partnership with the Sapphire Community Pantry,” Ravan stated. “A food donation bin is also located near Woolworths at Bega Village, making it easy for shoppers to support local efforts.”
This liquidation event not only brought much-needed funds to the charity but also highlighted the strong community spirit in Bega Valley. With the holiday season approaching, the funds will play a vital role in ensuring that those less fortunate can enjoy a festive meal and receive essential supplies.
As the community rallies around this cause, the success of today’s event serves as a testament to the power of local support and charity collaboration. Interested community members are encouraged to continue contributing to the Sapphire Community Pantry through donations and participation in future fundraising efforts.
This developing story emphasizes the urgent need for community support and showcases the significant impact that local initiatives can have on those in need.
