AS RESTRICTIONS and lockdowns put a chokehold on charity events, Tamworth's White Elephant Ball committee has announced it will postpone the annual fundraiser for a second year.
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The event was set for October but has been moved to March next year, and while it was a difficult decision to make committee co-chair Breanna McFadyen said she hopes 2022 will be a clean slate and better than ever.
"We decided to postpone firstly for the safety of our community in these uncertain times with restrictions and lockdowns," she said.
"We aim to raise as much money for youth preventative mental health organisation batyr and include as many people as possible and in the current climate there wasn't a guarantee that we could do that."
The committee has spent seven months planning and member Luke Macdonald said they are committed to putting on a great event.
"COVID has definitely thrown some huge challenges at the committee, but we have some incredibly talented young professionals who have given a lot of time to keep the ball rolling," he said.
Batyr delivers school and university-based prevention programs, and money raised at the White Elephant Ball funds up to 20 at-school programs.
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Students at schools in Tamworth have already benefited from the programs and Ms McFadyen said the aim is to erase the stigma and give young people strategies to support themselves and others going through a tough time.
"The theme that we are going with for the ball in March is Be Bold, because it takes bravery to admit you are struggling mentally and through COVID-19 everyone has been cooped up - so we want to encompass bright and happy colours and promote positivity," she said.
"If you want to wear a tiara, wear the tiara - we want vibrance and happiness at the ball and the theme complements that.
"We really do thank our sponsors, the local council and vendors who are on board, we know times have been tough and without their support and commitment we couldn't go ahead."
The White Elephant Ball will be on March 19, 2022 at Tamworth Town Hall.
For more information on the ball or to become a sponsor visit the Facebook page or email thewhitelephantball@gmail.com.
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Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
