Shepparton has gained national recognition for its caring and generous community.
GoFundMe has released a list of Australia’s most generous cities for 2023, and for the first time ever, Shepparton has made it to the top 10.
The Year in Help report by GoFundMe revealed a surge in philanthropy in Shepparton, ranking the city seventh, nationwide.
Despite a challenging year – the rising cost of living and a housing crisis – the community has dug deep, particularly for three GoFundMe appeals.
Among the most successful GoFundMe campaign was the drive to help Giz A Break purchase a new vehicle for their “mobile therapy room”.
The charity has been promoting mental and physical wellbeing among Shepparton’s youth through off-road touring experiences since 2019.
Generosity on GoFundMe also reached a record high in 2023, with 1.4 million donations made nationwide.
The crowdfunding platform stated that one in five Australians donated via GoFundMe, and a whopping $820 million from 9.2 million donations had been raised for various national and international causes.
GoFundMe Australia regional director Nicola Britton said that calls for support are answered quickly in cities due to the close-knit nature of Australian communities.
“It is equal parts humbling and inspiring to see a record number of donations on the platform this year, especially against the backdrop of economic uncertainty for so many Australians,” she said.
“Shepparton can be proud to be recognised on this year’s list of most generous cities, as should every person that started, was the beneficiary of, or donated to, a GoFundMe fundraiser, or helped spread the word.
“All of these kind actions truly make a real, tangible difference to Australians and their communities, day in and day out.”
Australia’s top 10 most generous cities for 2023 are as follows:
1. Bundaberg, QLD
2. Toowoomba, QLD
3. Hervey Bay, QLD
4. Mandurah, WA
5. Bunbury, WA
6. Mackay, QLD
7. Shepparton, VIC
8. Launceston, TAS
9. Ballarat, VIC
10. Tamworth, NSW