Liberty swing appeal pays off
The Bundaberg community’s support to replace the damaged Variety Liberty Swing at Lake Ellen Heritage Hub Playground has paid off, with the new swing officially launched at 11am Monday 19 April.
The hitz, kix & 4BU’ Appeal ‘Swing us your support’ raised $28,000, and included a live weekend broadcast from the CBD where over $6,000 in cash donations was collected. Major corporate donations to the Appeal included $14,000 from Brad and Karen Solomon of the BMG Group.
Bundaberg Broadcasters Acting General Manager Heather Ussher-Giovannoni said the Appeal had been a great success. “We had a great response from all ages donating money. We were particularly impressed with teenagers, who gave generously. Many people from out of town heard about it, and came to the CBD wanting to donate. Variety Queensland gave us great support with helpers over the weekend. We are very proud of our staff and their families who donated their time over the weekend to help out” Ms Ussher-Giovannoni said. Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor, Cr Lorraine Pyefinch, said the community’s generosity was wonderful. “I would like to sincerely thank Bundaberg Broadcasters for their tremendous fundraising effort in motivating our community to raise money for the replacement swing. All the Councillors and Council staff who helped out at the live broadcast were so impressed with their commitment, and the generosity of local businesses and the general public. We would also like to thank BMG, the News Mail and Westpac for being such good corporate citizens and for their committed support” Cr Pyefinch said.
Variety Queensland CEO Les Riley said they were overwhelmed by the community’s response. “It is really heart warming to see a community come together like this for our special kids. We are humbled by everyone’s generosity and very excited that Bundaberg’s wheelchair bound children can once again experience a swing in the park” Mr Riley said.
The money raised from the Community Appeal has repaired the Liberty Swing, and replaced burnt rubber softfall and fencing. The swing is now available for use at Lake Ellen Heritage Hub Playground at East Bundaberg. As well as other security arrangements, Rechenberg Security have agreed to 6 nightly patrols, following a request from Liberty Swing Supporter Bill Moorhead.
Anyone needing a MLAK key to use the Liberty Swing can collect one from Council’s Administration Centre, 190 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg.
In 2009, Variety Queensland was able to have a positive affect on the lives of over 30,000 children in need. “With the assistance of our generous supporters, we provided equipment and services with a value in excess of $2.4 million” Mr Riley said.
Source: http://bundaberg.qld.gov.au/news/2010/04/20/liberty-swing-appeal-pay