We have had strong support from several sponsors, including our major sponsor, Country Energy. Thanks also to Sports Power and Pyramid Power for their generous support, and also to Design Post printers and Watkins 3D Paint who are always keen to help.
“Brogo Canoes” have donated some 2 and 3 seater canoes for the event, so anyone interested in coming for a paddle should register their interest at www.cleanenergyforeternity.net.au. We are hoping to get as many swimmers and paddlers on the water as possible, so all are welcome. If you have your own canoe or kayak, bring it along. Entry fee is by donation. The swim will start at 830 am, but get there at 730 am. Directions will be marked by CEFE washing machines from the highway.
At this stage, over $7000 has been raised for the solar panels for St Johns Church. That puts us well over the half way mark, but there is still a long way to go. Finding $12 500 from the local community is a big assignment, but it has been inspiring to see so many people involved in raising the money. I am confident that we will get there. It is community spirit that makes the Bega Valley such a terrific place to live.
To my knowledge, this is the first community fundraising effort for solar panels for a place of worship in Australia, but I’m sure it won’t be the last.
Matthew Nott
As of 25/2/09, CEFE and St Johns Church have managed to raise $2000 for the solar panel installation at St Johns Church in Bega. The electric powered mountaind bike is making raffle tickets easy to sell, and a cake stall at the Tathra Newsagents on 25/2/09 made over $500. We still have $10 000 to go with only 2 weeks before the swim. It always seems like a daunting prospect at this stage, but if it was easy, every church would have solar panels on its roof.