For more than 35 years, Padstow Community Care has been committed to supporting the most vulnerable and is now raising funds through its Winter Appeal to help residents make ends meet.
With the council kick-starting the donations with a grant of $500, Community Care manager Grant Heslop said there was a huge need in the community for food, blankets and support with power bills, which was only expected to get worse as Covid fears grow again.
With all cash donations fully tax deductible, Grant says funds will be used to pay for subsidised food from Foodbank and cheap yet quality heaters from the Good Guys in Bankstown, as well as blankets, sheets and doonas.
“We will then sort the goods into hampers and distribute to those that need that extra bit of help over the colder months,” he explained, adding that the rise in homelessness in the local area was very concerning, especially because of the pandemic with more potential health risks.
“A lot of the homeless are hidden and if they’re not sleeping in their cars, they are heading into the city at night and sleeping with larger homeless groups for safety but then come back out here during the day.
“Your generosity will be the source of warmth for many families and individuals that are struggling to survive this winter.”
Donations can be made at padstowcommunitycare.org.au/give or visit the store, 23 Cahors Road, Padstow.
