Help Heartfelt House

IN AN effort to become less reliant on government funding, Alstonville's Heartfelt House has launched a new initiative, the 100 Hearts Club.

The organisation provides valuable support to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and their family and friends.

In recent years it has struggled to secure government funding to keep its vital service going, and in April 2010 was on the verge of collapse before an emergency injection of funding from the Federal Government.

Executive director Vicki Dobrunz said the organisation was now looking for people to join the 100 Hearts Club by committing to donating $10 a month to Heartfelt House.

"Fundraising is hard work, but we are really excited about this initiative," she said.

"The government just keeps cutting back our funding - we normally get about $60,000, but this year we only got $30,000, and there's no guarantee we'll get anything next year.

"So we're hoping the 100 Hearts Club will make us less reliant on the government.

"All people have to do is donate $10 a month, which is $2.50 a week, or less than the cost of a cup of coffee."

Members will receive a gold heart pin and an invitation to a breakfast once a year.

The goal is to have 100 people join in 100 days.

There is also a Corporate 100 Hearts Club, with businesses being asked to donate $50 a month.

For more information, email heartfelthouse @westnet.com.au or phone 6628 8940.