Tens of thousands of people walking and running through a tunnel has resulted in tens of thousands of dollars for two inner-west charities.
Asylum seeker support service West Welcome Wagon and bike repair and donation not-for-profit, the Community Bike Hub, were the charity partners of the West Gate Tunnel’s recent Discovery Day when an estimated 50,000 travelled through the soon-to-be opened tunnel on foot.
On Monday 8 December the funds raised on the day were presented to the two charities in the form of two very large cheques.
“Over $180,000 was raised for two fantastic local charities, the West Welcome Wagon and the Community Bike Hub, enabling them to continue their crucial work in our community,” Footscray MP Katie Hall said in presenting the $95,000 cheques.
“These organisations are at the heart of Melbourne’s west, and we hope this support will make a real and lasting difference for them both,” added group executive delivery and risk at tunnel operator Transurban, Nicole Stoddart.
West Welcome Wagon chief executive Colette McInerney said the money donation was game-changer.
“It gives us the time and space to plan strategically and ensure we are delivering the strongest possible support to the 500-plus families of refugees and asylum seekers from 42 countries who now call Melbourne’s west home,” Ms McInerney said.
Community Bike Hub general manager Amy McArthur said the donation would them help even more people.
“We can refurbish more bikes and donate more bikes to refugees, asylum seekers and people in need,” Ms McArthur said.
