Ballarat identity George Fong is calling for community to support the Ballarat Foundation and his dancing efforts to break the cycle of disadvantage in Ballarat.
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The ICT expert and regional development advocate is one of 10 'stars' participating in the Ballarat Foundation's take on popular reality television show Dancing With The Stars.
Mr Fong admits dancing does not come naturally, but it is clear what does is advocating for a cause.
This is a different approach - an opportunity in an unusual way to raise concerns and raise the profile of Ballarat Foundation.
- George Fong
"Working as chair of the Central Highlands Regional Partnership I know there are levels of disadvantage in regional Victoria that are higher than normal we are very concerned about," he said.
"One of the ways you can address that is to make sure organisations like the Ballarat Foundation get properly funded. This is a different approach - an opportunity in an unusual way to raise concerns and raise the profile of Ballarat Foundation."
The Ballarat Foundation is aiming to raise $100,000 through Dancing With Our Stars, its biggest community fundraiser yet. Each dancing 'star' has set a goal to raise $10,000 for the cause.
Mr Fong has raised more than $3200 through his dancing campaign so far and is using social media to capture a broad range of supporters.
"In many fundraisers you get the usual people contributing, but social media and reality television have drawn in a younger and more engaged audience," he said.
"Today to raise funds we need to have fun doing it as well. If you look at other events in the town they are driven by social media and the cohort that gets attracted to that is much younger.
"So when Matt and Margo (from the Ballarat Foundation) suggested it I thought it was a really good opportunity to engage a broader audience and even if we make fools of ourselves along the way, if it raises funds and raises the profile of the foundation it will be a job well done."
Social media has helped Mr Fong's dancing campaign go international, attracting donations from friends in France, the United States and the United Kingdom who are looking forward to watching the live stream of the Dancing With Our Stars Gala night on June 22.
He is also hosting functions and events with friends to boost his fundraising total, as the dancer who raises the most funds will win the people's choice award.
Mr Fong is rehearsing twice a week with his dance partner Ashlie Ross who has competed on the national stage and will perform the tango on the gala night.
Visit ballaratfoundation.org/dwos/ for more information and to donate.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
