‘Virtual Alan’ continues support for Salvos
Having collected donations for the Salvation Army for 30 years, local legend Alan Jessop is a familiar face at the Canberra Centre – and his presence there continues, albeit in a different form. ‘Virtual Alan’ was installed at the Canberra Centre earlier this month and is continuing to collect donations for the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal until 31 May via a contactless tap-and-go machine. The decision to install a ‘Virtual Alan’ was due to the Centre being unable to safely welcome Mr Jessop inside for the first time in over 30 years as a result of COVID-19. The Salvation Army’s Major David McMurray said the idea to have a static donation point “is fantastic because it means Alan can be there virtually when he can’t be there”. The Salvos have experienced a surge in demand for assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and expect it will get worse once the primary phase has passed due to a general community-wide decline in lifestyle and living. To donate to the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, tap and go at ‘Virtual Alan’ in the Canberra Centre (near Coles) or visit digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au and click on ‘Support my local Salvos’. Be sure to enter your postcode or suburb so that funds raised will stay in the region to help fund local initiatives.
GIVIT donation of the week: Guitars and stands
A local organisation that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people caught up in the justice system is looking for items to support their clients. The organisation offers programs that focus on therapy, recovery and overall wellbeing. There is a large emphasis on using art and music as tools to build the clients’ self-esteem, connection to their community and self-expression. They are looking for acoustic guitars with steel, nylon or even no strings as they re-string the guitars themselves. Any pre-loved guitars and stands that can be donated to this service will be greatly appreciated. Items can be dropped-off to or picked-up by the charity. To donate, visit givit.org.au/items-needed, search ‘guitars and stands’ and select requests located in ACT. After you pledge the item, you will be contacted by the relevant charity to arrange pick-up, post or drop-off. GIVIT supports over 300 charities across the Capital Region by matching your quality, pre-loved items with people who need them most.
Cook with Heart
In partnership with Coles, the Heart Foundation has launched the Cook with Heart Challenge. Participants can choose to cook five or 10 heart-healthy recipes in 10 days and ask family and friends to sponsor them (Coles is generously matching all donations raised up to $100,000). Register nowto help promote heart-healthy eating and raise funds to fight heart disease online at
cookwithheart.com.au/event/cook-with-heart-challenge
VIEW Club updates
Gungahlin Day: In the interests of their members, guests and the wider community, Gungahlin Day VIEW Club has decided to postpone all activities and meetings until July. After that date, a committee meeting will be held to review the situation and members will be advised accordingly.
Queanbeyan: Queanbeyan Evening VIEW Club has been cancelled until further notice due to COVID-19. Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of each month. More info: Sue on 0448 427 237.
