Community
22 March, 2024
Foundation needs your support
A FREE bereavement service for families and others who have lost a loved one is calling on the community for financial support.
Warrnambool-based organisation, the Crystal Lee Foundation, needs help to ensure its bereavement counsellor can continue to reach families and others in need.
The foundation does not receive any government funding and in tough times it becomes even more challenging to raise funds.
With this in mind, the foundation has this week launched its ‘Crystal Lee Foundation $100 Club.’
“We have estimated it will cost around $5,000 this year to keep our wonderful bereavement counsellor, Michael Turner-Downes, on the road,” foundation executive officer Julienne Clifford said.
Mr Turner-Downes’ face-to-face counselling has already reached and supported people in five local government areas across the south west and continues to do so.
However, this comes at a significant cost to the Crystal Lee Foundation and it is now hoping local businesses (and individuals/families) may be able to assist.
“We’re hoping businesses and people may be able to help out by giving a once-off $100 tax deductible donation to keep Michael on the road,” Ms Clifford said.
“We already have three donations within the first couple of days, including one person who said Michael had helped two of his friends so he was happy to donate, which was wonderful.”
The free service is available to anyone who has lost someone, regardless of age or circumstance.
“Michael is just wonderful with people. He has been on the road for two years now and has helped more than 60 people across the district,” Ms Clifford said.
“We all handle bereavement differently; everyone is on their own journey and Michael is a lovely, compassionate man.
“There is no limit to the number of sessions a person can have with him, that’s up to the individual. Our service is available to all and we want to ensure this continues well into the future.”
All $100 Club members will be acknowledged on the Crystal Lee Foundation website.
To donate simply head to the Crystal Lee Foundation or scan the QR code below.
