October 08, 2025

Fundraising at Gateways – The power of Community

 

Our Community Engagement Manager, Fleur, caught up with Mil to chat about how important fundraising is at Gateways and how much of a difference it can make to those we support. At Gateways we’re dedicated to helping people with disabilities lead full, connected, and joyful lives. While the NDIS provides essential support for individual needs and goals, many experiences, programs, and resources sit outside its funding. As a not-for-profit organisation, Gateways relies on fundraising to make these opportunities possible, and that’s why every contribution truly makes a difference. 

Why we fundraise 

Fundraising allows us to create opportunities and experiences that go beyond essential supports. It helps us contribute to the extra costs that often come with making activities accessible and inclusive. For many families living with disability, these costs can be a barrier to participation, even if they have NDIS funded supports in place Through fundraising, we’re able to reduce that burden and make sure more people can join in. 

It also allows us to invest in the things that make our spaces welcoming, engaging, and accessible, from sensory rooms and play spaces to upgraded kitchens and program equipment. 

Just as importantly, community fundraising brings people together. It strengthens connections, raises awareness about disability inclusion, and helps build a more understanding and supportive community. 

What the NDIS funds and where fundraising steps In 

The NDIS focuses on individual supports, things like therapies, accommodation, personal care, and assistive technology that help people reach their personal goals. 

What it doesn’t fund are the broader costs that help bring those goals to life in the community. That’s where fundraising helps us bridge the gap. 

Funds raised through community initiatives at Gateways go toward things like: 

• Creating sensory rooms and play spaces that encourage calm, learning, and connection. 

• Installing specialised equipment in our group programs, like upgrading our day program kitchens to be more accessible. 

• Supporting community events and activities, such as our Easter Family Fun Festival, that help children and adults build friendships, confidence, and life skills. 

• Investing in inclusive projects and infrastructure that promote belonging and participation for everyone. 

Our upcoming fundraiser: Christmas gift wrapping at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre 

This December, Gateways is thrilled to be the charity partner of choice for the Christmas gift wrapping service at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre. 

From December 6th to Christmas Eve, shoppers can have their gifts beautifully wrapped by our friendly volunteers in exchange for a small donation. 

All funds raised will go directly towards the refurbishment of our Social Connect day program space in North Geelong, including upgrades to the kitchen facilities to make them more accessible for more of our clients. 

It’s a simple, festive way to give back and every wrapped gift helps create more inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities in our community. 

How you can help 

• Visit our wrapping station at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre between December 6–24 between 10am – 4pm and have your gifts wrapped for a donation. 

• Spread the word, tell friends and family about the fundraiser and encourage them to stop by. 

• Volunteer to help wrap gifts or get involved in future fundraising initiatives. 

• If you can’t make it in person, you can still support Gateways by making a donation on our website. 
  

Together, we can make a meaningful difference, one gift, one donation and one connection at a time. 

 

Listen to the full interview with Fleur, our Community Engagement Manager and BayFMs Mill: