There wasn’t a spare seat in the house at the fundraiser for Bello’s Bouldering Wall deeming it a huge success!
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Families, climbers, and project supporters flocked to the Memorial Hall for the fundraising event just after the official opening of the wall at Bellingen’s Youth HUB which also saw people spilling out onto the street and queuing up, young and old, for their turn on the colourful climbing space.
Project Manager and Youth HUB Co-ordinator, Dean Besley said, “Again I am inspired by the generosity the community has shown for this project. The list of contributors is as long as my arm and we literally could not have done it without any of them.”
Fundraising co-ordinator, Bonnie Dalrymple said, “We screened the infamous Reel Rock movies at the fundraiser and they were really well received, not just by the climbing community but by everyone. I am blown away by the support, we could not have asked for any more. From the volunteers to the sponsors and the businesses who donated raffle prizes, we were extremely blessed.”
The project received the stamp of approval from Mayor King who was one of the many who attended the evening and congratulated all involved. Also in attendance was one of Australia’s most renowned climbers, 12-year-old Angie Scarth- Johnson who travelled from the Blue Mountains to see the launch. "I am a kid that lives in Regional NSW so I know
how important it is to have a variety of activities available for kids and young people that live outside the cities,” said Angie.
“Attending the opening of the climbing wall in Bellingen was really exciting for me because I can see how it will give kids the opportunity to explore rock climbing as a sport and hopefully begin to love it as much as I do. Rock climbing is a great sport not only to keep fit in a fun way but to also to develop an appreciation for the environment through outdoor rock climbing."
The fundraising night saw an additional $2700 raised which will go directly into the ongoing costs of maintaining the wall and climbing equipment. The facility is now open and being run entirely by volunteers, the timetable can be checked at belloyouthhub.net/session-times-bouldering-hub/ where you can also check out the web cam to see what is happening at the wall at any time. Memberships are available now through the Bellingen Youth HUB.
For more information on the Bellingen Bouldering Wall you can visit the Facebook page – BelloBoulderHUB - or contact the Bellingen Youth HUB.
