By Corey Everitt
Have Hopes Inc. held their annual ‘Colour Fun’ this past weekend, a day where locals “couldn’t stop smiling and laughing.”
Approximately 300 people descended on IYU Recreation Reserve on Saturday 12 April, to join this year’s Colour Fun
The day is the key date where residents can help fundraise for Have Hope and contribute to their crucial work in assisting those facing hardship in the community.
It also doubles as a day of joy for participants, which is Have Hope’s central aim for all.
“It was extremely successful, everyone was just enjoying life,” founder Bobo Davis said.
“People just couldn’t stop smiling and laughing.”
The event is held around the anniversary of Aaron Davis’s death in 2017, Bobo’s eldest son, who took his own life.
This tragedy led Bobo to her quest for suicide awareness and to help those in need.
“We still see so much hardship and tragedy every week in what we do; this day is held so we can celebrate life,” Bobo said.
The tally for the day is expected to be around $3000 and a single woman was generous enough to donate $1000 of that just from herself.
The funds will go to Have Hope’s effort to acquire a truck for transporting the food they collect and distrubute to those in need each week.
Currently, they must hire a truck for two days a week to do their collection. It costs roughly $400 per week, paid for personally by Bobo.
Acquiring a second-hand refrigerator truck will not only save money, but also allow them to collect at any time of the week, meaning more relief going to those doing it tough.
You can donate to this effort at their gofundme: gofundme.com/f/help-us-deliver-fresh-food-to-those-in-need
If you are in need of assistance, or would like to assist the charity, Have Hope Inc. is open to the community on Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 1pm at 1a Main Street, Pakenham.
Easter may affect these hours, you can follow for updates at facebook.com/havehopeincorporated
If you are in need of assistance for your mental health, talk to your local GP or health professional, or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
