Organisers disappointed after Bathurst Tucker Van's fundraiser fell flat

Sydney-based quartet Arabesk headlined the dinner at the Bathurst RSL to raise funds for the van.

Despite the efforts of all involved to promote the cause, though, there was a poor turnout of fee-paying patrons on the night.

But Tucker Van co-ordinator David Buckby was not letting that disappointment get him down yesterday, stressing the low attendance did not mean it was a terrible night. 

“The venue was fantastic, the band was great, and the people who did come enjoyed the night,” Mr Buckby said.

The raffle, which had a top prize of a night’s accommodation at the Rydges North for two, also went well and the lucky winners were pleased with their prizes. But all this does not disguise the stark truth – the Tucker Van requires $3000 a month to provide meals to Bathurst’s needy.

Mr Buckby confessed the service is “in desperate need of money and volunteers”.

He believes making the community aware of the amount of people who rely on services like the one he provides is key to their success.

“It’s all very well that we sit at home after a nice meal, but we don’t think about all the people who go without,” Mr Buckby said.

Surveys conducted in America have show 40 per cent of families go without food at least once a month. Mr Buckby is pushing for similar surveys to been done in Bathurst to identify just how many people are in need.

It is his belief the information collected would encourage more people to be part of the solution. 

Those who want to help keep the Tucker Van on the road are urged to call the office on 6331 2742.

Mr Buckby would like to thank everyone who contributed to the fundraiser at the RSL, especially organisers Felicia and Ron Shannon.