The 'Bed Inn Bus' campaign to raise funds for a sleepbus for homeless men in Taree is still a long way off from it's goal.
To date, the campaign has raised more than $7500, but a total of $100,000 is needed to purchase the bus and have it fitted out and operational.
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Terry Stanton, founder of the campaign, is hoping a local philanthropist can help bump up the funds significantly.
"When Maroochydore in Queensland wanted a Blue Bus for the homeless, they got to $40,000 and a family called Thompson presented them with a cheque for $60,000. Then a pink bus for homeless women was desired, and at some point, the Thompsons again donated $60K. When Byron Bay went for a blue bus and a pink bus, the local Seaton Foundation gave them $200,000!" Terry said.
"We could do with someone like that round here."
Yet the smallest of donations still helps the cause, and all donations are accepted.
"It is a sorry indictment that fundraising to provide a bed at night should even be needed in a country this rich," was a comment from a donor on the fundraising page.
"That is exactly what I think and say as often as I can," Terry said.
No donation is too small as it all adds up, so donors are needed no matter how much they can give. But the call is also out for helpers.
"We should be able to start running stalls soon to attract interest and more donations," Terry said.
To offer your services as a helper, contact Terry Stanton on 6553 1360 or tez_stanton@hotmail.com.
To donate, go to www.sleepbus.org/fundraisers/manninghomelessactiongrouptaree/bed-inn-bus.
Julia Driscoll
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
