“From Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, local permies Jed Walker and Rebecca Norton offer this simple idea that has so far raised nearly $1000 from low-key community evenings.
Through word-of-mouth, acquaintances were invited to a private home for a dinner and movie night. Pre movie entertainment included a short talk and Q&A from Permafund Patron Rowe Morrow on evening one, and a talk from Jed about Permafund projects, including a clip from John Champagne, Permafund Convenor (below)
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Then two courses – curry and cake with chai – were served, the lights were dimmed, and the movie rolled. A home stereo and projected image made the experience pretty similar to being at the real movies. The first movie night had an ecological theme, the second movie night was more about social justice.
Attendance was free, and people were asked to make a donation, if they wished. People loved the opportunity to have an intimate yet socially distanced gathering. They donated what they thought was what they spend on a movie and dinner which averaged about $30 each.
They not only want to come to more dinner and movie nights, but also want an evening devoted to more talk and tales from Rowe Morrow.
This scale of event is very easy to set up and prepare – no insurance, hall hire or publicity required. It really is as simple as having a few mates around for dinner and a movie, with the costs being so low they can be absorbed by the host. The local Blue Mountains Food Co-op will make a monthly donation of food for future fundraising evenings.
If you are based in Katoomba or wish to find out more about the events or run one yourself to fundraise for Permafund, please contact Jed via permafund@permacultureaustralia.org.au. The next scheduled movie night will be held on Saturday 12th September 2020.
Permafund (as part of Permaculture Australia) provides small grants to community permaculture projects across the world. Since 2012, 38 projects have been funded in 14 countries – with more projects soon to be announced in the 2020 grant round. We are volunteer run and funded entirely by donations, read more about the different ways to donate here. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Rosemary (Rowe) Morrow is a permaculture pioneer. Permafund patron, author and teacher. For almost 40 years Rosemary has worked extensively with farmers and villagers in Africa, Central and South East Asia and Eastern Europe. Rosemary has especially dedicated much of her efforts to refugees the people of war-torn nations such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Kurdistan and East Timor, and to communities experiencing the serious effects of climate change like the Solomon Islands. When not working overseas, Rowe is based in Katoomba, NSW.
The Blue Mountains Food Co-op is a member-owned not for profit organisation that values community, respects the environment and promotes equality and social responsibility.
