THE ANNUAL HOME in Queanbeyan movie night fundraiser will feature light-hearted French comedy, Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis [Welcome to the Sticks] - a welcome change from the serious and dramatic films previously on show.
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HOME in Queanbeyan manager Anne Pratt said tickets to the fundraiser are now on sale and organisers are aiming to sell more than 300 tickets to the event on Friday, August 21.
The $70 ticket includes dinner and drinks prior to the film. Guest speaker John Bale of Soldier On will address the audience and HOME in Queanbeyan patrons Sir William Deane and his wife Lady Mary Deane will also be in attendance.
It's been five years since HOME in Queanbeyan has been up and running and Ms Pratt hoped to raise more than $20,000 this time around.
"[The night is] about raising funds but it's just as much about raising awareness of HOME in Queanbeyan and mental illness in general. We want to get rid of the fear that surrounds mental illness," Ms Pratt said.
"I work very hard to keep our costs low. The money raised goes towards supporting our residents and changing their lives. Our major costs are our lease, insurance and staffing.
"I always really like to thank the community for their support. [HOME in Queanbeyan] is proudly community-owned and without the community, we wouldn't be what we are."
A raffle will also be held to raise money with prizes including premium tickets to a Fleetwood Mac concert, 'Murrumbateman Meander' wine tour and A-reserve tickets to Les Miserable in Sydney.
Raffle tickets can be purchased separately from the movie night by contacting Ms Pratt on 0431 557 565.
Currently, there are 19 residents at HOME in Queanbeyan aged from 29 to 70-years-old. There are four residents attending TAFE, one in full time work, another two in part time employment and the remaining residents join in social activities around the community.
"HOME is about growing, we encourage people to get out in the community with different groups and get involved," Ms Pratt said.
"I look at each resident as they come in and they see themselves as a mental illness and they're identified by their mental illness by others around them.
"We work hard to keep their mental and physical health well being...but we also work to find the human being, the person that sometimes gets lost in the mental illness."
The HOME in Queanbeyan movie fundraiser will be held on Friday, August 21 at The Queanbeyan Performing Art Centre from 6pm. Tickets are now on sale at www.theq.net.au or call 6285 6290.
