The Victorian Actors’ Benevolent Trust needs YOU

The Victorian Actors’ Benevolent Trust (VABT) has assisted thousands of entertainers and performing arts professionals for more than 60 years and now, more than ever, needs public support.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a wide-ranging and devastating financial and psychological effect on the livelihoods of those in the arts and entertainment industry in Australia and worldwide with thousands of events, festivals and concerts cancelled or postponed in 2020.

Performing arts professionals face an uncertain future as cancellations and delayed production wreak havoc on the industry, impacting the job stability, vital income and mental wellbeing of individuals for the next six months with no clear end date.

Each year, the VABT raises much-needed funds through in-person bucket rattles at performances. With theatres dark across the state, they have decided to go VIRTUAL and hold the BIGGEST bucket rattle in VABT history to support Victorian artists and crew who are experiencing a health crisis or medical emergency.

The Victorian Actors’ Benevolent Trust has pledged to support artists and arts workers in need over the upcoming months by hoping to raise $50,000 in donations via the VABT Virtual Big Bucket Rattle on Tuesday 12th May.

VABT President Sally-Anne Upton said this donated amount would really help performing arts professionals in need.

The arts and entertainment industry has a proud history of coming together to donate time and money to those in need, as witnessed by the recent bushfire emergency, and now we need the arts patrons and festival-goers of Victoria to support them, said Ms Upton.

The money raised by donations will be available to actors and entertainers in need to help pay for essentials such as food, utilities, and other necessities such as ongoing medical expenses.

The VABT is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers to support, listen and advocate for members who have fallen on hard times or need a helping hand. They provide a wide range of crisis relief services such as emergency financial assistance as well as access to mental health services and emotional support.