01/07/1999

Thirteen of Victoria's major charities involved in front line relief work will meet with the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund for a Media Briefing today on the steps of the Flinders Street Railway Station at 7.30am.

The Briefing is being held at the Flinders Street Station, a location where many of the 500 people who sleep out in Melbourne each night often seek shelter.

A survey of three major Victorian charities from 1993 to 1998 shows that demand for services has risen from 368,000 people to 716,000 people seeking assistance.

Charities will also receive $150,000 in grants from the charitable trust of philanthropist, the late Percy Baxter.

Media Enquiries: Ron Smith (03) 98185700