Enterprising volunteer Karalee Evans, a Senior Consultant at Fenton Communications has embarked on what she describes as a campaign of “not fundraising, but “friendraising”. The goal is to “raise the profile of Cottage by the Sea with corporate Melbourne”.

Karalee first became involved with Community Group ‘Cottage by the Sea’ after attending a goodcompany Christmas angel’s function last December. That night she spoke with General Manager Tony Featherston, a person she describes as "absolutely amazing”. He inspired Karalee to take a field trip to Queenscliff, to witness first hand how the Cottage gives disadvantaged children the chance to enjoy life’s simple pleasures by providing short term relief care in a holiday environment.

Karalee’s communications experience saw her quickly identify a way in which she could help the Cottage.

“One thing that became apparent very early was they have traditionally had a very old supporter base and localised to the Bellarine Peninsula. This in my professional experience was dire in terms of their long term survival considering they take children from all over Victoria” she said.

“Cottage by the Sea needed a younger generation of supporters and supporters who could reach a whole new demographic of Melbourne. So, after inspiration from a friend, I devised the idea of a Young Professionals Branch (YPB).”

The YPB has worked hard to build awareness, trust and belief in the cottage. In early December, the ‘In Focus’ photography exhibition was held and already, three major organizations are looking to support the Cottage. This should help ensure it is able to continue its vital work for Victoria’s sick and disadvantaged children.