COUNTRY agency ac.care is calling for community support to help meet strong demand for blankets, jumpers and other warm clothing to keep vulnerable people comfortable this winter.
The arrival of cold, wintry conditions has led people experiencing hardship to seek help at ac.care’s sites across the Limestone Coast, Riverland and Murraylands, with community support crucial to help meet demand.
Donations of blankets, warm clothing, swags, sleeping bags and non-perishable food items are needed to support people seeking help, many of whom are already facing significant challenges due to the cost of living and lack of affordable housing.
ac.care homelessness and community services senior manager Trish Spark encouraged the community to help increase the impact ac.care can have on vulnerable people
“Our frontline staff are handing out donations of blankets and warm clothing like jumpers, beanies, scarves and fresh socks to help bring people comfort,” Ms Spark said.
“The weather impacts vulnerable people differently to most due to their personal circumstances, whether that be homelessness or lack of suitable housing, limited or no access to transport, as well as financial pressures which may mean they avoid using heating due to utility costs,” she said.
“It is the community’s generosity through donations that helps give people comfort in their day to day while our dedicated team supports them through other challenges they are experiencing.”
The long-standing Limestone Coast blankets and winter warmer appeal is once again being championed by TripleM 90.5 and SAFM 96.1 Limestone Coast through an on-air campaign to drive donations to ac.care’s Mount Gambier and Millicent community centres.
Triple M Limestone Coast breakfast announcer Ewan Grant encouraged community members to answer the call and help meet demand this winter.
“Our community has a proud history of looking out for one another and I think this is a simple yet meaningful way to show kindness and bring comfort to people in need,” Mr Grant said.
“It is no secret that times have been tough for many in recent years, but even one donation of a blanket or a few pairs of socks can help someone keep warm during these cold conditions,” he said.
“Our station recognises that homelessness is everybody’s business so, if you can, please consider donating to the winter appeal.”
Mount Gambier’s Park Dry Cleaners will continue its involvement in the appeal, collecting donations at its business premises at 157 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier.
“ac.care is grateful to these businesses for supporting the winter appeal, and we hope their example inspires the community to give what they can to support local people,” Ms Spark said.
Donations of blankets and warm clothing can be made at any ac.care site, including the Mount Gambier and Millicent community centres, as well as Park Dry Cleaners.
If you would like to contribute financially to ac.care’s support services, visit www.accare.org.au/donate to learn more.
