Community Canteen, a devoted not-for-profit organization in Brisbane, is excited to announce an upcoming Comedy Fundraiser Night on December 12, at The Triffid headlined by Mel Buttle with support from Emma Zammit & Peter James and hosted by Shad Wicka. The event aims to address the critical issue of hunger among the homeless population in Brisbane, a problem exacerbated by the city’s record number of 9,700 homeless individuals on any given night, constituting almost 2% of the population.

In the face of staggering statistics, Community Canteen remains steadfast in its mission: to provide fresh, nutritious, and tasty meals to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The organization believes that a healthy, delicious meal not only offers practical sustenance but also positively impacts the well-being and outlook on life of those in need.

“Laughs at The Canteen” seeks to raise funds to combat this issue, offering an evening of laughter provided by Brisbane’s funniest comedians. The event is crucial, especially considering that 42% of people experiencing homelessness in Brisbane are under 24 years old, and rental affordability in the city is at a historic low. For a young adult on Youth Allowance, even a room in a share house is unaffordable, at more than two thirds (67%) of their income.

Community Canteen, which operates entirely with the dedication of volunteers, annually provides over 40,000 meals to people in need. The organization partners with other entities, sharing resources and ensuring efficient allocation of funds to food. Community Canteen has a proven track record, preparing about 600 meals a week, with 250 meals per shift going to domestic violence shelters and 300-350 to homeless shelters and community centres for those in need.

“Our resolve matches the enormity of the challenge,” affirmed Gavin Hill, Director and spokesperson for Community Canteen. “This Comedy Fundraiser Night isn’t merely about laughter; it’s a powerful stance against homelessness and hunger. Together, we can pave the way to hope and nourishment for those who need it most.”

Key elements of Community Canteen’s service delivery model include shopping for food from commercial stores, picking up donated food from food share organizations, utilizing commercial kitchens owned by partner organizations, and serving meals directly to clients. The organization prides itself on its 5-star food safety accreditation from Brisbane City Council, ensuring the health and safety of both the community and volunteers.

Laughs At The Canteen
12 December 2023
The Triffid, 7-9 Stratton Street, Newstead
www.moshtix.com.au

We are asking for your help, we might not have influence over the heavens but we sure can do our bit to Make It Rain in dollar bills!

Bernard Fanning & Ian Haug, Wolfmother, T’N’T, Tim Rogers, Tex Perkins & The Loose Rubber Band, ARC (members of Spiderbait/You Am I/Jet/Even), Jackson Carroll, Jimmy Willing & The Real Gone Hick-Ups feat. The Buffalo Gals, Monica Frances will take up at The Beach Hotel in Byron Bay. To join them, head to MAKEITRAIN2020.COM.AU and donate $49 for a single night or $89 for two nights to secure your tickets.

Local independent brewery Stone & Wood is donating several fundraising Karma Kegs for the evening, plus a prize of lunch and drinks at the brewery and four cases of fresh beer.

Can’t make it to Byron? We also have an online Auction featuring some money CAN’T buy items and experiences, that you CAN buy! Including an original etching from award winning artist Ben Quilty, a personal training session with Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky, a tennis lesson or game for three with Pat Rafter, a song writing session with ARIA Award winner Bernard Fanning, and more to be added! Head over to www.makeitrain2020.com.au bidding starts Dec 17th and closes Jan 17th.

“A few months ago I was asked to play at a fire relief benefit called Ewingar Rising” explains Tex Perkins. “I was aware that the area had been devastated by fire storms. It’s always an honour to be asked to help people in hard times and to use my music for good, not only for fundraising, but for healing.

Then the rest of NSW started to burn. Suddenly fires were everywhere. Places that had never burned, and should never burn, and it hit really close to home, literally. A small bushfire in the national park near where I live quickly became a 2000 hectare blaze, it’s now over 6000 hectares and growing.

We evacuated our animals, children and prepared as best we could. The fire still burns but we’ve been lucky…so far.

My local fire brigade announced an outpouring of thanks to the local people for their $1000 donation, as a result of that generosity, they could buy short wave radios to use out there whilst fighting fires!

I was shocked! Fucking hell! These guys are out here and deserve the best equipment!”

If they want equipment let’s get them what they want, let’s fund the firies!

Let’s MAKE IT RAIN”

Make it Rain – Fun the Firies, A Bushfire Fundraiser
8 January 2020 – The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
Featuring WOLFMOTHER, ARC (members of Spiderbait/You Am I/Jet/Even), JACKSON CARROLL, MONICA FRANCES

9 January 2020 – The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
Featuring BERNARD FANNING, T’N’T, TIM ROGERS, TEX PERKINS & THE LOOSE RUBBER BAND JIMMY WILLING & THE REAL GONE HICK-UPS (feat. The Buffalo Gals) and guest MC CHRIS HEMSWORTH

All ticket sales donated to NSW RFS Northern Rivers and Far North Coast Brigades.
Tickets and Online Auction: www.makeitrain2020.com.au