Alstonville BaptistCare residents raised $1200 for Community Gateway
We received a wonderful surprise visit this week from some residents and staff of BaptistCare Maranoa Retirement Village. They dropped by our community hub in Lismore to present us with a cheque for $1,200.
The funds were raised at their arts and crafts market, held at BaptistCare Maranoa Retirement Village twice a year. Their special Mother’s Day market on Sunday 12 May included produce, cakes, snacks, refreshments, arts and crafts which were all for sale to the public. BaptistCare staff member Samantha says about it:
“Our Mother’s Day market is usually only half the size of our pre-Christmas market but, even so, our residents, local businesses, families, community organisations and the local Men’s Shed all were involved. We enjoy great community involvement at these events, which is really important for our residents to enjoy themselves and feel included.”
Every time they hold a market, the retirement village staff and residents donate their earnings to a local not-for-profit charity organisation. This time it is our turn! When asked why they wanted to donate their hard-earned market profits to our organisation, BaptistCare Maranoa resident Jeany said:
“We like to support grass-roots charities that support people in our communities. We had heard about the street swags and backpack beds that Northern Rivers Community Gateway offer to people who are experiencing homelessness and we wanted to support that. But when we got in touch we realised that there were so many other services you offer to support people throughout the region.”
The BaptistCare Maranoa Retirement Village pre-Christmas market happens around 14 December and is a great opportunity for people to grab some last minute stocking fillers before their festive celebrations begin.

Reidy, Samantha and Jeany from BaptistCare Maranoa Retirement Village presenting our CEO Jenni with a cheque for $1200.