The Georges River Association held a Lunar New Year Charity Gala dinner at Club Central Hurstville last Sunday to raise money for The Salvation Army Hurstville Corps.
Ben Wang, president of the Georges River Association,in his welcome speech said that after a very difficult 2020, he wished everyone better fortune in the New Year of the Ox.
The association is a community group dedicated to defending and improving the urban and natural environments of the Georges River Council area.
Mr Wang thanked all the sponsors, guests, volunteers, actors, artists, and members of the Georges River Association for their devotion to charity.
"COVID can disrupt our life but will never defeat our love," he said.
Mr Wang presented a $5000 cheque to Major Sherrie Nicol of The Salvation Army Hurstville Corp, the proceeds of the evening.
Mr Wang said that the general donation ceremony is to give a big fake cheque.
"Since both the Georges River Association and The Salvation Army are practical organizations, we are going to give the small real cheque," he said.
Kogarah MP Chris Minns praised the contribution of the Georges River Association to the community in the past few years.
He said that various activities organized by the association have brought a sense of pride to the residents of the Georges River community.
Mr Minns presented community service awards to two community leaders, Mr Zhuang, President of Australia Association of Sun Yat sen University and Dr Wang Xiaobo, president of Australia New Zealand Shanxi Association.
Georges River mayor Kevin Greene said he was very grateful to the residents who are lucky to live in Georges River area for giving generously at the fundraiser to help those less fortunate people.
As an adviser to The Salvation Army, he was particularly grateful to the association for raising funds for The Salvation Army.
Major Sherrie Nicol and Lieutenant Beth Shao, the team leaders of The Salvation Army Hurstville Corps, delivered keynote speeches at the dinner.
They introduced the history, vision, and mission of The Salvation Army. In particular, The Salvation Army's covid-19 emergency fund plan was introduced.
There were performances of dance, singing and martial arts..
Sun long, a famous painter who attended the charity dinner, painted three pieces on the spot.
The artwork was auctioned on the spot and all the auction amount will go to The Salvation Army Hurstville.
