Local charities battered by bushfires and COVID-19 are breathing a little easier after a community appeal coordinated by Hands Across Canberra exceeded its goal, raising more than $420,000 in just 12 weeks.
The winter-long Community Recovery Appeal had a target of $400,000 to help struggling charities and community groups who could not undertake their usual fundraising or had to drastically cut back or close their operations due to last summer's bushfires and, then, the coronavirus pandemic.
It was a devastating double-edged sword, with many of the groups and charities seeing the demand on their services increase as a result of the twin emergencies, especially from people affected by the social isolation enforced by the COVID-19 response.
In the end, the appeal raised $421,474, each dollar donated by the community matched by Aspen Medical and the Chief Minister's Charitable Fund.
Hands Across Canberra chair Diane Kargas Bray said in the face of the unfolding emergencies, her organisation activated as quickly as possible to support the local community sector.
"Back in March, we quickly saw that we needed to act to help the over 250 local charities and community organisations who are part of the Hands Across Canberra network," she said.
Hands Across Canberra CEO Peter Gordon said the success of the appeal, at a time when many people were themselves facing financial and social uncertainty, was a wonderful demonstration of Canberra's community spirit.
"We could not be more pleased with this result, and we would like to thank everyone who supported this campaign and the charities involved," Mr Gordon said.
Some of the many groups who will benefit from the fundraising gathered this week to acknowledge the generosity of the Canberra community, including Rebus Theatre, Soldier On Australia, Directions Health Services, Meridian (formerly AIDS Action Council) and Canberra Community Law.
The Rebus theatre company during the lockdown had to shut its drama classes for marginalised people in Canberra.
"Unlike a lot of sectors, we didn't feel we could effectively shift to online," Rebus' creative producer Ben Drysdale said.
"It had a big effect on our people who experience a lot of social isolation already. These classes are sometimes their only human connection outside their carers and family."
Rebus will receive about $3500 from the appeal, the amount going towards its next production.
"It's been really great to get back into the rehearsal room," he said.
Soldier On Australia, which supports veterans and their families, suffered a fundraising loss of about $1.2 million due to cancelled events during the pandemic, including four charity balls, according to national business development director Theo Dimarhos.
"In this period, in particular, we've had an increase in demand for our services," he said. "Social connection is a big part of it and our funding will go towards ensuring we can keep delivering our services."
Joshua Anlezark, deputy chief executive officer at Meridian, formerly the AIDS Action Council, said the Recovery Appeal donations would "fill gaps".
"There's been a good response from government, there's been some flexibility around our funding, but some things aren't covered," he said.
"And being connected to community, you see those needs really quickly and this money allows up to jump on those needs."
Directions Health Services, previously known as Directions ACT, has provided treatment and support to people impacted by alcohol, drugs and other addictions for more than 40 years. That support continued throughout the pandemic.
Directions Health Services CEO Brownyn Henry said being part of the Hands Across Canberra infrastructure gave the organisation a greater ability to fundraise as part of the broader appeal.
"We haven't really engaged in fundraising. It's not a topic that tends to attract support in the fundraising arena," Ms Henry said.
"So we're really pleased to participate in something that is a real community effort and that enables us to participate in some fundraising when we normally wouldn't."
Canberra Community Law provides free legal advice for those facing disadvantage. Solicitor Farzana Choudhury said COVID-19 had increased the number of people seeking help in issues around Centrelink payments, housing and employment.
"I'm the disability discrimination lawyer there and I was mostly providing assistance face-to-face and we've had to instead largely move to telephone and that's something that's mean a challenge. Most clients are understanding but it's been a huge period of stress," Ms Choudhury said.
"For this Hands Across Canberra Recovery Appeal to come right at this point has really made a huge difference to us. It's a bit of hope, a way for people to contribute to the work we all do in an easy way.
"We don't necessarily have the in-house experience or time to fundraise as we're so busy helping people deal with their legal issues, so this has been pretty fantastic. A huge thank you to Hands Across Canberra and I'm so excited so many organisations will benefit, not just one."
