Bidding has opened on a veritable treasure trove of prizes, with all funds received going to vulnerable local kids.
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SalvoConnect Western have launched a silent auction online, with more than $5000 worth of toys, tickets and memorabilia donated by local businesses.
SalvoConnect Western will have a stall at Springfest on November 26, where the public can place bids on the auction items in person.
SalvoConnect Western’s child and youth services team leader Louise Jeffrey said any funds raised would go to children in Ballarat who encountered family violence, homelessness and trauma.
“We use the money for activities like counselling or involvement with sporting clubs, things that we don’t normally have the funding for,” she said.
“From the funds we raise, we can provide children with things they need to have a more positive life.
“If a mum has had to leave quickly and the kids have only come with what they were wearing, we’re able to set them up a little bit with clothing or furniture.
“We just want to give them a happier childhood.”
“We’ve been amazed by the generosity and donations from local businesses.”
SalvoConnect Western works with an average of 130 children per year.
Items up for auction include a signed Western Bulldogs guernsey, a Richmond Tigers Hall of Fame poster, power tools, accessories, family event passes and restaurant vouchers.
Ms Jeffrey said the money raised from the Salvation Army’s Walking Home fundraiser last year had a tangible impact on local children.
“One child had experienced extreme family violence, and we were able to link them in to specialist counseling and register them with a footy club,” she said.
“As a result, their self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence has dramatically improved.
“They’ve been able to make friends and have more links with other people in the community, and they’re happier about life generally.”
More than 70 per cent of children in SalvoConnect Western Ballarat’s childcare centre have experienced domestic violence.
View and bid on auction items at SalvoConnect Western’s Facebook page until November 23.