The ongoing cost-of-living crisis affects everyone in different ways. For many of us, it means we’re dining out less and tightening our purse strings when it comes to things like gigs, theatre outings and luxury purchases. For some, the increased pressures means a real risk of homelessness. Altru looks to help those silently struggling to get by with tailored outreach initiatives geared towards assisting those in distress or poverty, facing destitution, homelessness or other disadvantages.

In order to assist the charity in continuing its incredible work, the Altru team is launching its inaugural 52 Weeks of Dining fundraising campaign on Thursday August 8. The initiative is anchored by a massive raffle with more than $11,000 worth of dining vouchers up for grabs.

“Unfortunately more and more of the ‘haves’ are becoming the ‘have nots’. We are proud to rise by lifting others and Queenslanders are exceptional at coming together when others are doing it tough,” says Altru co-founder and CEO Jessie McLachlan. “From the restaurants and venues who have so generously donated to those who will buy tickets, the impact of the Queensland spirit has already been felt so strongly throughout our small but mighty team.”

The fundraising raffle will see one lucky winner receive 52 extraordinary dining experiences at restaurants across Southeast Queensland. With vouchers ranging from $150 to $300 per venue, the winner can easily dine out for free every single week for a year. Among the $11,450 worth of generously donated prizes are vouchers from the likes of Short Grain by Martin Boetz, Southside, the Anyday group, Rothwell’s Bar & Grill, Pilloni, Gerard’s and Allonda in Brisbane, Rick Shores and Social Eating House + Bar on the Gold Coast, and Market Bistro and Bocca Italian on the Sunshine Coast. As if that wasn’t enough to get you buying tickets, there is also a second prize – a luxury getaway at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, including dinner at award-winning hatted restaurant Citrique, valued at $1254.

By purchasing a raffle ticket, you’ll not only have a chance to win these incredible prizes – you’re also making a direct impact on the lives of those who need it most. Altru operates on a zero-percent administrative fee model, ensuring that every dollar contributed is fully utilised for its relief programs. The 52 Weeks of Dining campaign is aiming to raise $50,000, with every dollar from the raffle going towards supporting families and individuals in need. The funds raised will also contribute to Altru initiatives such as its annual outreach festival, which directly serves more than 5000 people across Australia by providing access to essential medical services, clothing and food, and its youth-at-risk mentoring program, which aims to empower at-risk youth to overcome adversity and learn valuable skills.

Altru’s 52 Weeks of Dining campaign is live now, with tickets available to purchase online for only $25 per ticket.