BGF thanks community for touching support

The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation (BGF) has thanked the LGBTI community as well as local businesses for the generosity shown to the longstanding HIV charity over this year’s Sydney Mardi Gras festival.

From Wednesday, February 27 until close on Wednesday, March 6 Oxford Street’s Colombian Hotel will be donating 50c from every schooner of Hahn Super Dry sold to BGF while IGA Marketplace Oxford Street has named the charity which was established in 1984 as the default beneficiary of its newly launched My IGA Card Program.

The supermarket and grocer will also launch its ‘Small Change to make a Big Difference’ initiative in the week leading up to Mardi Gras allowing shoppers to donate to BGF by placing small change in donation tins within the store.

BGF CEO David Riddell said the organisation was truly overwhelmed by the support shown.

“We are humbled and are truly very grateful. Thank you on behalf of our 1200 plus clients and staff,” he said.

“Mardi Gras is the most amazing celebration of life, but the reality is during this time many engage in risky in behaviour. The number of HIV tests taken afterwards increases. The reality is that some of those tested will be diagnosed as HIV positive.

“BGF is here to help those people, and all people living with HIV across NSW, ignite their capacity and rebuild their lives.”

General Manager and Licensee for The Colombian, Robert Doran, said it was an easy decision to help BGF.

“We wanted to help a local charity and that had a long-standing, historical connection with Mardi Gras which BGF had when it first created Glamstand. BGF is also recognised and respected by our international and interstate clientele who visit for Mardi Gras,” Doran said.

“We also wanted to help one of the most vulnerable groups in our local community.”

IGA Marketplace Oxford Street store manager, Rachele Sinclair, said her team was also very excited about the partnership with BGF.

“IGA Marketplace Oxford Street has enjoyed tremendous support from the local community,” Sinclair said. “Helping to provide support for one of the most vulnerable groups in our local community is our way of saying thank you.”

[IMAGE]: Colombian Hotel general manager Robert Doran with BGF CEO David Riddell (Michelle Lesco)