A variety of gay organisations, individuals and venues doing their bit to help embattled LGBT phone help service OUTLine stay afloat. Well-known drag 'sisters' Buffy and Bimbo say they'll donate the entire $500 profit they earned from appearing in the recently-published cookbook Cooking Doesn't Have to be a Drag. "Although it's a small amount, we hope that this will offer some assistance to continue the amazing work carried out by OUTLine," says Bimbo. "We would like to put a challenge out to all other LGBTT entertainers in New Zealand to match or better this offer," she adds. Meanwhile, Glenn Sims of production company RedFlame Media says he was shocked to hear that the financial situation of OUTLine has gotten so grim. In order to help the organisation take in more donations from the public, Sims has donated $750 towards the software OUTLine needs to take in funds securely over the internet through its website. BEARS HOLD THEIR PAWS OUT Taking action quickly to help OUTLine, K' Road's bear bar Urge is now looking for items for a special fundraising Slave Auction, planned for Saturday 10 October. "Basically we are looking for items to auction away – anything from meal vouchers to holiday breaks. In the past we have had tattoo sessions, pampering weekends and car engine cleaning, so we welcome all help," said the bar's co-owner Alan Granville. "We are also looking for 'slaves' to present each auction item," he adds. "This should be a busy night of fund-raising and we also have DJ Donald Bennett playing on the night." Last year's Slave Auction at Urge raised over $2,000 for Prostate Cancer, and the bar's crew are hoping to raise another bear-sized amount this year for OUTLine. Any businesses interested in donating an auction item - or if you are interested in being a slave for the night - email Urge at urgebar@ihug.co.nz. Are you or your organisation doing anything to help Save OUTLine? Contact GayNZ.com on gaynz@woosh.co.nz to let us know.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Thursday, 24th September 2009 - 10:49am