Local businesses called to help
THE volunteers at Highfields Pioneer Village are trying to raise enough funds to re-open in September and are now appealing to the local business community.
The village, museum and park puts around $240,000 back into the local community each year but since Covid 19 its income vanished overnight as school groups and seniors’ groups cancelled followed by big ticket events such as the Easter Vintage Festival.
“We are non-profit charity, so every dollar we raise goes back into the pioneer village and all our suppliers are local, we do not employ any staff and we are run entirely by volunteers,” volunteer Jody Dodds said. “We attract around 38,000 tourists to the region each year, our volunteers work hard for the Toowoomba region, now we hope local businesses can support us.
“All donations to the village are tax deductible, so please donate to our campaign, we only have $18,500 left to raise. “Please join with us in saving this local treasure.”
The pioneer village has been unable to secure any grants as they do not qualify for small business or employee coronavirus stimulus funding. “Our volunteers supported the decision to close for Covid19 as we are concerned about the health and safety of our volunteers, as well as the general public,” Jody said. Under the current restrictions, the village volunteers are permitted to open for groups of 20 people.
“We are concentrating on ghost tours to raise more money. It is a wonderful way to see the village at night and we don’t have to switch the power on,” Jody said. “Volunteers have been overwhelmed by letters and donations from families dropping in to lend their support to our skeleton crew working at the village at the moment.
“Thank you so much for your help, it means the world to us.” The Highfields Pioneer Village provides a venue for the local Australia Day celebrations and is also a host for community service and work for the dole programs as well as facilitating projects for disabled and Centrelink volunteers, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, school based work experience and mental health projects.
The village provides a place where older volunteers transitioning from the workforce have an outlet to keep their bodies and minds active.
If you would like to make a donation head to the Go Fund Me page and search Re-Open Highfields Pioneer Village. Direct debit details are also available for those who wish to transfer money.
To book your place on the ghost tour head to the Facebook page or phone 4696 6309 for more information.