Heart of Art Benalla’s deSales Turner with the hand-made quilt that is being raffled to support a local charity.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
The Heart of Art Benalla, the Rose City’s not-for-profit artisan collective, is hosting a special Christmas fundraiser in support of a local homelessness charity.
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HoAB’s deSales Turner said, when looking for a local not-for-profit to support, the Benalla Homelessness Response Group stood out.
“A lot of people can look down on the homeless and think they’re in that situation by choice,” she said.
“The reality is that homelessness is becoming a bigger problem, not only locally, but nationally and worldwide.”
The Heart of Art Benalla's Christmas raffle is raising funds for the Benalla Homelessness Response Group.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Ms Turner said, as a not-for-profit, when the idea to do a Christmas fundraiser was raised, they decided to find a worthy local beneficiary, which is when BHRG was mentioned.
“The money we raise might go towards providing beds, or tents, or supporting the (Welcome Kitchen) meals served on a Sunday,” she said.
“But Kate (Holmes) and the BHRG are the experts, and will know where to direct the money.”
The fundraiser is in the form of a raffle, with some one-of-a-kind, handmade items made up into five hampers.
There is also an exquisite hand-sewn queen-size quilt up for grabs.
Ms Turner said on top of the handmade items in the hampers, HoAB artists had also donated items, as had local businesses.
“One of those is the café in Rambling Rose (Stella Stella),” she said.
“It’s really nice to be supported by them.
“The tickets for the hampers are three for $5, and for the quilt, are 20 for $5.
“They will be drawn on Saturday, December 13, at the EdSpace café, at 6 Carrier St.
“It’s the same day as the Benalla Main Street Christmas market, and we’ll be here from 9.30am to 3.30pm.”
Since moving into the EdSpace café, the Heart of Art Benalla has gone from strength to strength, offering a place for local artists to create and exhibit their work.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
One winner will be drawn every hour until all prizes have been won.
Ms Turner said she had been pleased with the way HoAB had grown out of the ashes of the former North East Artisans.
“Once NEA wrapped up, we wanted to keep going,” she said.
“When EdSpace found out we were closing down, they offered us a place in their café.
“I explained we were a not-for-profit and didn’t have any money to pay rent, and we were offered it free, in return for running some workshops with their students.”
Ms Turner said since then the group had gone from strength to strength.
“HoAB is a great place for local artists to have their work displayed, and with no commission taken, all funds from items sold goes directly to the artist,” she said.
If you would like to buy a ticket for the raffles, pop into the EdSpace café, where you can either pay in cash or on EFTPOS.
If you’re an artist looking to find out more about HoAB, you can pop in any time or call 0488 394 481.
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