Support for Communities in Need - Another Games Legacy

The Gold Coast Community Fund (GCCF) has been named the Official Charity for next year’s Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) CEO, Mark Peters made the announcement on the Gold Coast today with the Member for Bulimba Di Farmer, representing Commonwealth Games Minister, Kate Jones.

The GCCF has supported the Gold Coast for more than 16 years as a fundraising umbrella organisation, distributing funds to charities, community organisations and people in need of emergency support.

GOLDOC Chairman, Peter Beattie AC said today’s announcement was particularly important and indicative of the faith GOLDOC has in GCCF to support local individuals and groups in need but to also ensure a triple bottom line legacy from GC2018.

"We know the economic impact from these Games will be significant, infrastructure development and tourism promotion as a result of the Games will continue to deliver great benefits to the city and our measures to meet sustainability targets have been outstanding.

"This is an opportunity to give back to the people of the city that is delivering the Games, by supporting those in need across a very broad range of charitable, educational and recreational areas of the community.

A GC2018 Charity Gala Dinner will be held in November on the Gold Coast and all funds raised will go to the Official Charity.

"And as a very special incentive for people to attend this event they will get to see the beautifully crafted gold, silver and bronze medals that athletes from across the Commonwealth will proudly be presented during Games-time.

"As well as the Gala dinner we are considering a number of options and working with the GCCF to develop a plan to maximise this unique partnership," Mr Beattie said.

Member for Bulimba, Di Farmer, said the appointment of GCCF as the Official Charity for the Games was a great choice.

"It means that a broader range of charities, organizations and people will benefit from the funds raised through the Games and GCCF initiatives.

"The Palaszczuk Government is proud of the legacy that the Games will achieve for Queenslanders and this is another tangible example of the Games delivering social benefits, and supporting people in need," Ms Farmer said.

GCCF Chairman, Rutland Smith said they were honoured to be chosen as the Official GC2018 Charity and that the partnership would showcase the compassionate heart of the Gold Coast as a city that cares.

"This partnership will create a stronger Gold Coast community by reaching people who, through hardship or other circumstances would potentially not experience or benefit from the Games being in their backyard.

"Our motto has always been, ‘Gold Coasters helping Gold Coasters’ with GCCF supporting more than 600 families, individuals and groups over the past year alone.

"The fund is run totally by volunteers and a Committee of influential Gold Coasters with a passion for the city and welfare of its citizens, ensuring as much money as possible goes to recipients instead of administration.

"GC2018 will be the biggest event we will experience in our lifetime making us all the more enthusiastic to make the most of the opportunity with the legacy being a greater awareness of our organisation and those in the community in need of support.

"The gala event will be a one and only, never to be experienced again and a not to be missed occasion," Mr Smith said.

GOLDOC CEO, Mark Peters welcomed the announcement of GCCF as the ‘Official GC2018 Charity’ conceding that the task to choose just one charitable beneficiary was indeed an onerous one.

"We have given much consideration to charitable partnerships with the final choice made easier by the fact that GCCF objectives meant support across a broad sector of the community and for those with many and varied needs."

"It will also be very special for us to reveal the medals for the Games – something that we have saved up for a very special occasion," Mr Peters said.

Details of the GC2018 Charity Gala are available at gc2018.com with tickets on sale from September 2017.

For more information, please contact:

Email media@goldoc.com

Tamara Morris: +61 400 658 429

Manager Communication and Media

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)

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