Donations of blankets, jumpers and other warm clothing and supplies are in demand by country agency ac.care as it works to support vulnerable people through the winter months.
A pattern of icy cold weather is impacting people experiencing hardship across the Limestone Coast, many of whom are already facing significant challenges due to the cost of living and housing crisis.
Community support has been crucial to enable collection of enough blankets and winter items, with donations of swags, sleeping bags, blankets and warm clothing now in demand for vulnerable people.
ac.care is fortunate to have the support of TripleM and SAFM 96.1FM Limestone Coast through its long-standing Limestone Coast blanket and winter warmer appeal, which has been a significant driver of donations to ac.care’s Mount Gambier and Millicent community centres.
Triple M Limestone Coast breakfast announcer Ewan Grant said the station was proud to continue its lead role in the appeal, which includes a prominent on-air campaign.
“Community is at the heart of our station and we recognise that homelessness is everybody’s business,” Mr Grant said.
“The icy cold conditions we have experienced across the Limestone Coast since early May are enough to make anyone uncomfortable, let alone those facing hardship.
“This is why it is important for our community to look out for one another, and this appeal is a meaningful way to bring comfort to those who need it.”
Mount Gambier’s Park Dry Cleaners will continue its involvement in the appeal, offering to collect new or good condition items that will be cleaned and delivered to ac.care for distribution.
“Last year was our first time being involved and we just saw it as something small our team could do that we hope can make a big difference to someone,” Park Dry Cleaners owner Michele Colbert said.
“We are central and are constantly cleaning bedding and clothing so continuing as a drop-off point just seems like a natural fit.
“The response last year was overwhelmingly positive and we enjoyed witnessing the generosity of people who came into the store to donate.
“You do not need to be a customer to come in and make a donation – our friendly team are here to help and are right behind this.”
ac.care Limestone Coast homelessness service manager Kelly McGuinness thanked the community for the donations received so far, which have been constantly flowing through to people in need.
“We are already handing out blankets and warm clothing like jumpers, beanies, scarves and fresh socks to help keep people comfortable,” Ms McGuinness said.
“Vulnerable people often feel the impacts of weather more due to a range of factors, including homelessness, lack of suitable housing, no access to transport and financial pressures, which leave them avoiding things like electric heaters due to bill stress.
“The arrival of winter will only increase requests for warm items, so we are grateful for the generous donations and support coming from businesses, groups and local people.”
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.
