Jamboree raises more than $14,000 for rest home
An estimated 1,000-plus people passed through the doors of the Collingwood Memorial Hall on Sunday 27 June for the Joan Whiting Jamboree.
The one-off fundraiser for the loss-making rest home made over $14,000—a figure still rising as donations continue to dribble in.
Trustee Heather Cole said the response was utterly unbelievable.
“We felt so humbled how everyone pitched in. Time and time again the community has stood up to show their unqualified support for the place, and this time was truly exceptional. We have so many people to thank, from all the businesses in town who donated to everyone who helped on the day.”
That day kicked off at 10.30am with a sponsored midwinter swim in the inlet by 10 staff members and supporters, who were all “drummed” into the water by local percussion band Grio. Unlike the others who could dip in and out for their money, the stipulation on rest home manager Jan Dahl was that she had to stay in a full two minutes to earn her $100 for the home. Luckily, perhaps, swimmers reported that the water temperature on the day was “quite bearable”, and key Jamboree organiser Liza Eastman spent 10 minutes swimming around.
Spot prizes were given out throughout the day, the main prize being a night’s accommodation and dinner for two at Wetland View Park.
What wasn’t sold at the Jamboree—around two smallish truckloads—was taken to the Hospice Shop for sorting later. All proceeds raised from the Jamboree will go into the general operational coffers of the rest home.
Gerard Hindmarsh
