The region’s business community has been instrumental in uniting the Hunter to say ‘No to domestic violence’.
Got Your Back Sista charity Founder and Director, Melissa Histon, said that the tremendous support of local businesses contributed to the success of the charity’s event at Hunter Stadium on Saturday 3 September.
More than 450 people supported the event which included the entire group participating in a film shoot that will be used by Got Your Back Sista charity to promote a ‘no violence message to the community’.
The event was generously supported by: The Newcastle Herald, Belmont 16s, Hunter Stadium, Purser Corporate Communication, Westfield and Lumina Visual.
Additional support came from the University of Newcastle, Prophase Electrical Solutions, Aivilo Construction, Lake Macquarie Liquor Accords, Beyond Bank, Paul Beath Dentist, Hunter Water, OAS Technology Group, Toronto Workers, Hunter Signs, The Forum, Hydralyte, The Body Shop. The Edwards, Aaron Framed It, Colourpac Design and Print and Bounce Design.
“The support from the business and wider community has been most humbling and has helped us raise a further $30,000 that will be used to support people who are establishing a safe home after escaping domestic violence,” Melissa said.
“A special thank you also to well-known presenter Mike Rabbitt who donated his time as the emcee and to author Helen Cummings and White Ribbon Ambassadors Jon Chin and Clint Newton as well as an army of 25 volunteers and representatives from local refuges,’ she said.
“Our common goal is to stop the acceptance of violence. Most of us work with, live near, or are related to someone who has experienced violence in their home or in their lives, it is not someone else’s’ problem. This is our region’s problem and we must do everything in our power to stop it. One more incidence of violence in our community is not acceptable,” Melissa said.
Got Your Back Sista was established as a registered charity earlier this year by The Sista Code working in collaboration with local refuges to provide women with vouchers and store credits to purchase essential items as part of the establishment of a new and safe home for themselves and their children. Items have included beds, refrigerators, household consumable items and kitchen appliances.
