More donations needed for Homeless Connect
Published on 03 May 2019
Rockhampton Regional Council is hoping extended hours and additional drop off points will encourage local businesses and the wider community to help make the upcoming Homeless Connect event a success.
Communities Chair, Councillor Rose Swadling, said the people of the Rockhampton Region had always shown their outstanding generosity at this time of year.
“Homeless Connect is an annual event which provides people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness with access to various services, as well as an opportunity stock up on essential items.
“We had to change our donation location this year and as a result we have had far fewer drop offs, so we have extended the donation deadline and added two additional drop off locations.
“We are asking our fantastic community and amazing local businesses to really step up and get involved and show the outstanding generosity that we have seen before.
“There are lots of great ideas around the region including making up a small pack for a particular person e.g. a teenage girl, and creating a collection point at your work place.
“Do you have some nice clothes that you no longer wear? Could you afford to buy a few extra cans of food or bottles of shampoo during your next shop? Then please help. While each donation may feel small, collectively we can make a huge difference.”
Cr Swadling also said homelessness can unfortunately be closer than we think.
“It’s important to remember many of us could be just a few pay days away from homelessness.
“We should talk openly about how quickly circumstances can change and leave people without a place to live.
“Unfortunately homelessness and isolation can happen to anyone and being able to access vital services and get yourself fed and clothed when times are hard is so important.”
Where:
Southside Location
Rockhampton Showgrounds Caretaker’s Cottage, Exhibition Road Wandal (to the right of the Showgrounds Main Entrance and opposite Rockhampton State High School – picture below)
Northside Locations
Multicultural Development Association Office, 108 Alexandra Street, Park Avenue
Anglicare, 160 Musgrave Street
When:
Tuesday 7 May to Friday 10 May between 9am and 5pm.
Monday 13 May to Friday 17 May between 9am and 5pm.
An additional drop off session will be held between the hours of 8am and 12 noon on Saturday 18 May at the Southside Location only.
The Homeless Connect Event will be held at Rockhampton Showgrounds on May 23.
We are seeking the following items:
- Bedding and pillows
- Clothing (not damaged or stained)
- Toiletries including razors
- Female hygiene products
- Canned foods with ring pull
- Small serve quantities of non-perishable food
- Shoes