Winter Warmer A Success

A Heartfelt Thank You from Fletcher Street Cottage

We were honoured for Fletcher Street Cottage to be chosen as one of the four charity recipients at the Winter Warmer 2024 event and fundraiser by Dharma Care.

On behalf of the Byron Community Centre and everyone involved, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for making the Winter Warmer Homelessness Relief Fundraising Cabaret an unforgettable evening.

With your incredible generosity, the event and campaign is aiming to raise $75k, which will directly support individuals experiencing homelessness in the Byron and Tweed Shires. Your contributions will make a significant difference by providing meals, safe sleeps, warm winter clothing, toiletries and new winter-warming sleeping bags to those in need. Together, we are making a profound impact on our community.

Event Highlights

The night was a true testament to community spirit, featuring captivating performances from The Space Cowboy, CC the Cat, Kinship Doobai Dancers and artist exhibitions from Andia Cally and The Space Cowboy. Aunty Jackie’s heartfelt Welcome to Country set the tone for an evening filled with warmth and solidarity.

Mandy Nolan's exceptional comical hosting and the enlightening Q&A with representatives from the charity partners, including Louise O'Connell representing Fletcher Street Cottage, illuminated the crucial work being done to support those in need. Their insights into the level of despair many people can suddenly find themselves in were both moving and eye-opening.

Gastronomic Delights

We were delighted to indulge in a gourmet dinner prepared by the talented Steven 'Snowy' Snow at the renowned Fins at Plantation House. The exquisite food, fine wine and refreshing drinks made the evening not only a feast for the soul but also for the palate.

Special Thanks

We are deeply grateful to Dharma Care and all the businesses, sponsors, partners and volunteers who made this event possible:

• Venue & Dining: Morgan, Snowy, Juliette and the teams at Fins Restaurant, Fins at Plantation House, and Tropical Fruit World.
• Beverages: Mezzanine for the lovely wines, Laura and Sunita at Happy Herbs, Brigit at Balter Beer, and Aztec Margarita.
• Additional Support: Rib & Roast, Alsco, Solo, Yogi Nectar and Crystal Castle.
• Event Services: Sean and Dan at North Coast Events, Syd and Jane at Mullumbimby Printworks, Sylvia Roylance and Tweed Shire Council, Cunning Stunts, Mala Snaps - Photography, BayFM, and Echo Publications.
• Performers: Chayne Hultgren - The Space Cowboy, Mandy Nolan, CC the Cat, Kinship Doobai Dancers, Andia Cally, Ruth Mackay, Aunty Jackie.

Charity Speakers & Partners

Massive thanks and love for all you do:

• Fletcher Street Cottage: Louise O’Connell, Kate Love and the team.
• Fred’s Place / Vinnies Australia: Kim Kennedy, Darren Williams and Shana Lazer.
• Murwillumbah Community Centre: Fiona Hunt and Lara Lei.
• Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre: Angela Maxwell and Letitia Lucas.

Prize Donations from Local Businesses

Our sincere thanks to Happy Herbs, Repco Murwillumbah, SPELL Byron Bay, Brunswick Picture House, LM Fitness Brunswick Heads, Potager Restaurant Carool, Three Blue Ducks Byron Bay, IGA Murwillumbah, Husk Farm Distillery and Bistro Livi.

Special Mentions

A special thank you to Livingston Armytage for the use of photos and to Irwan, Richard, Sarah and the Dharma Care Team and Directors for their tireless efforts in organising this event.

Ongoing Support

Dharma Care will continue global fundraising for this campaign into July 2024, so you can still share and support it however and whenever you can. Please share this with your dearest and closest friends, and we can make meaningful change. Visit Give Now to see a live tracker of funds raised to date.

Last year after the event, Dharma Care raised a further $10k, and their total target for this year is $75,000. Just saying!

Visit Winter Warmer Raffle and Silent Auction to participate.

With heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dharma Care for all you have done to help make this campaign possible. Your contributions are making a real difference in our Byron community.

Photos provided by Dharma Care.

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