Last night's emotional farewell to OUTLine General Manager Lesley Belcham saw the LGBT phone support service's board, volunteers and supporters thank her for her groundbreaking work strengthening New Zealand's LGBT communities. Farewell: Lesley Belcham (centre - in black saying she had particularly helped the service reach out to and assist more lesbian and transgender New Zealanders. "We're so sorry to see her go, she's made an incredible difference." The OUTLine board decided last month not to renew Belcham's contract as recent funding applications for her salary had been deferred, as regularly supportive funding agencies pull back on cash available due to the economic recession. Her last day is tomorrow (Friday). Last night Martin also took the opportunity to thank LGBT communities nationwide for mobilising to help OUTLine through its hard times. Yesterday just over $10,000 has been raised so far through donations from individuals, community groups and fundraising events. A 24-hour bucket collection at most gay venues nationwide is planned for this Saturday as part of OUTLine October, with organisers hoping to raise the $30,000 needed for OUTLine to continue operating into 2010 and future more hopeful funding rounds. BIG MONEY FROM CARTIER TRUST The Cartier Bereavement Charitable Trust has now upped its donation to OUTLine from $2,000 to $3,000. The charity's trustees say they are very keen to help the telephone support service get through their cash crisis, and are encouraging other organisations to donate. To make an instant donation to OUTLine, the bank account details are: Bank of New Zealand, account number 02-0108-0124195-000, account name Outline New Zealand.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Thursday, 1st October 2009 - 11:21am