Please select your home edition
Edition
C-Tech 2020 Tubes 728x90 TOP

Geelong community throws support behind Festival of Sails Bush fire appeal

by Jessica Gabites 29 Jan 2020 22:30 PST
(L-R) - MacGlide Festival of Sails Chairman, Stuart Dickson, Geelong Connected Communities' Tracy Carter, Harwood Andrews partner Justin Hartnett and AWA Alliance Bank's Steve Jackson - hand over a cheque to the Salvation Army for $41,555.80 © Sarah Pettiford

The Geelong community has rallied behind the Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) in partnership with Geelong Connected Communities (GCC), Harwood Andrews and AWA Alliance Bank, to raise over $40,000 for the Salvation Army National Bushfire Appeal.

RGYC contributed $10,000 to kick-start the Festival of Sails bushfire appeal last week, just days before the MacGlide Festival of Sails started on January 25.

The appeal coincided with the RGYC's decision to cancel its annual Australia Day Fireworks show on Sunday, January 26 out of respect for the tens of thousands of fire victims and Australia's volunteer firefighters.

Tens of thousands of people flocked to the Geelong Waterfront over the Australia Day long weekend, to celebrate the MacGlide Festival of Sails regatta.

The contributing organisation's representatives - MacGlide Festival of Sails Chairman, Stuart Dickson, GCC's Tracy Carter, Harwood Andrews partner Justin Hartnett and AWA Alliance Bank's Steve Jackson - handed over a cheque to the Salvation Army for $41,555.80.

Mr Dickson said it was "heartening to see how, in times of need, our community comes together to show their support for important causes like this."

GCC is a community company established for the benefit of every Geelong resident. With financial support from their partners, sponsors and supporters, GCC delivers an ongoing grant program that helps not-for-profit organisations fund programs that make Geelong a better place to be.

"We want to thank GCC, Harwood Andrews, AWA Alliance Bank and the Geelong community for their support in this fantastic fundraising initiative as part of the 2020 MacGlide Festival of Sails, in response to the bush fire tragedies."

All funds raised will go to the Salvation Army National Bushfire Appeal, with 100 per cent of all donations going directly to those families and communities impacted by the fires.

"We are very pleased with our ongoing partnership with Geelong Connected Communities," he said.

"The Waterfront Festival was a resounding success this year with tens of thousands of people enjoying live music, food and entertainment across the three days. We look forward to building on this success and making next year's Waterfront Festival an even better experience."

GCC Director John Fitzgerald said they were "delighted with the result of this fundraiser, especially given the short notice to pull it all together".

"We would really like to acknowledge the generosity of the GCC partner organisations - RGYC, Harwood Andrews and AWA Alliance Bank - for donating to this worthy cause.

"We are really pleased to be able to work together to support those going through such hardship," he said.

Related Articles

King of all wins at Festival of Sails 2025
246 boats, 1100 sailors, 100,000 visitors and close to twenty divisional champions crowned The Festival of Sails 2025 wrapped today from the Royal Geelong Yacht Club. It was quite the spectacle, with 246 boats, 1100 sailors, 100,000 visitors and close to twenty divisional champions crowned post racing. Posted on 27 Jan
Over 500 Try Sailing at Festival of Sails 2025
One of the largest learn to sail programs in Australia's history One of the largest learn to sail programs in Australia's history took place as part of the Festival of Sails 2025. Free "Come & Try Sailing" sessions on 25 January and 26 January officially sold out, with over 500 participants. Posted on 26 Jan
Longevity shines in Melbourne to Geelong Race
The 182nd Passage Race started under the cannon of the STS Young Endeavour The 182nd Nautica House Festival of Sails Passage Race from the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria to the Royal Geelong Yacht Club started under the cannon of the STS Young Endeavour. Posted on 25 Jan
STS Young Endeavour to lead the charge
As official start boat for Festival of Sails 2025 The 2025 Festival of Sails will open with a truly historic spectacle, as the iconic tall ship STS Young Endeavour is announced as the official start boat for the 182nd Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race. Posted on 3 Jan
Festival of Sails 2025 Program Announced
The Geelong Waterfront will be buzzing for three unforgettable days The Festival of Sails is back for 2025, and this year's program promises to be bigger and better than ever! From world-class sailing action to an exciting line-up of music, food, and entertainment, the Geelong Waterfront will be buzzing. Posted on 12 Dec 2024
Festival of Sails 2025 on track to break records
More than double the regatta entries compared to this time last year The 2025 Festival of Sails is set for a record-breaking turnout, with more than double the regatta entries compared to this time last year. Posted on 19 Nov 2024
Festival of Sails concludes with parade of colour
Some big jumps in standings across all nine divisions Festival of Sails 2024 concluded its 181st edition with a day of shifty, lighter winds that saw some big jumps in standings across all nine divisions. Corio Bay was awash with colour as the courses spread the fleet across the inner and outer Harbours. Posted on 28 Jan 2024
SheSails & Youth at the Festival of Sails 2024
SheSails & Supporters breakfast, and a presentation with the local Cadet fleet Festival of Sails had a women and youth sailors focus on day two, bookending the racing with the SheSails & Supporters breakfast, and a presentation with the local International Cadet fleet. Posted on 27 Jan 2024
181st Festival of Sails Passage Race
200-strong fleet challenged with high winds and a steep, confused sea state The 181st Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race challenged the 200 strong fleet with high winds and a steep, confused sea state. Posted on 26 Jan 2024
Festival of Sails' back bigger and better in 2023
Celebrating 180 years of the iconic passage race and ready to party! Geelong's Festival of Sails will be celebrating a major milestone and is ready to party when it returns in January 2023, as it salutes the 180th anniversary of its iconic Passage Race between Melbourne and Geelong. Posted on 19 Dec 2022
Selden 2020 - FOOTERMaritimo 2023 M600 FOOTERDoyle_SailWorld_728X90px_SY BOTTOM