Comedy Debate raises significant sum for Women’s Shelter

Federal Member for Bradfield Paul Fletcher today handed the Hornsby Ku-ring-Gai Women’s Shelter a cheque for $22, 748.50 following this year’s Bradfield Comedy Debate.

The Comedy Debate was established by Paul Fletcher in 2011 to support local charities in their fundraising efforts for local initiatives.

“Raising money to help establish the first women’s shelter in the Ku-ring-gai area is an extremely important and worthwhile cause,” Mr Fletcher said. “Alarmingly, there is no crisis accommodation to assist homeless women anywhere between Lane Cove and the Central Coast. Local services in the Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai council areas report assisting up to 15 homeless women per month.”

Mr Fletcher expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event:

Sponsors - McCaroll’s Automotive Group, and Lindfield and Turramurra Community Bank braches

Platinum event sponsor, The Grey Family Foundation; Gold event sponsors, Paul Binsted, FetchTV, The WeirAnderson Foundation, Dr Tom Wenkart, Bob Mansfield and Charles Curran AC; and Silver event sponsors, Fiona Balfour and the National Online Retail Association (NORA).

Chair of Debate, Dr Andrew Bell SC and speakers Peter FitzSimons, Abigail McCarthy, Warren Lee, Steph D’Souza and Warren Meagher.

Ravenswood School for Girls which generously provided its facilities at no charge.

John Lockyer, Chair of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter said he was very pleased to be involved with the 2014 Comedy Debate.

“This significant contribution from the Bradfield Comedy Debate has got us closer to our fundraising goal. We have secured the lease on a property in the Hornsby Ku-ring-Gai district,” Mr Lockyer said.

The Comedy Debate was held at Ravenswood School for Girls on Sunday 10 August 2014. Money was raised from ticket sales and sponsorship – all money raised went directly to the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter