Canberra community blankets the ACT with love this winter
BY SIMONE WORTHING
“There’s a whole lot of love out there,” said Dee Fraser, Doorways Regional Manager South NSW/ACT, as she and her team counted 773 new blankets, more than $900 in donations and piles of good-quality warm winter coats, sleeping bags, beanies, gloves and more.
The generous Canberra community donated these items to The Salvation Army at Epic Handmade Market at Exhibition Park on 29-30 June.
“These items are vital in keeping vulnerable, struggling and homeless people warm during Canberra’s cold winter,” said Dee.
“They make a huge difference to people’s lives and help keep them safe and warm. Without Epic Handmade Markets and our generous community, we couldn’t do it. This is one of our major winter drives in Canberra.
“We’re just part of that conduit of grace. We just get it delivered to where those good folk are, who are desperate for that warm clothing.”
All the blankets are generously donated and in good condition, and they are all given away and not sold.
“We only want what you’d give your best friend,” Dee said. “They go to anyone in need across the ACT through Connect sites and homelessness expressions (with sleeping bags and tents). The Oasis Youth Service put some aside for our youth, and corps keep a few on hand for emergencies.”
Trusting relationships
The Salvos are well received at the Handmade Market.
“We have a huge reputation of doing it right and doing it quick through all the relationships we have built across the ACT,” explained Dee. “For example, we don’t actively collect at the market, but we had our bucket out and a tap ‘n go just in case, and people freely gave. One stallholder gave us $500.
“And quite a few people came just to chat. Some wanted to talk to us about what’s going on in their life, and we had conversations with people who are lonely. They trust the ethos of The Salvation Army and feel comfortable to disclose.”
One of the small businesses at the markets that weaves alpaca and merino wool donated some high-quality warm gloves and other items. Polly’s Farm makes soaps and candles, and when they heard that the Salvos needed small soaps for hygiene bags, they stayed up overnight to make little soap cakes, each one in its own carry bag.
“These are beautiful souls,” said Dee.
The team also received an additional large donation of travel-size toiletry items, which will be distributed to both those experiencing homelessness and victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.
“Those toiletry packs – for someone who’s homeless to be able to come into our showers and have their own toiletries – that’s priceless,” Dee said.
“And someone in a domestic or violence crisis? They leave with nothing. A toothbrush, a hair comb, a shampoo means a lot.”
None of the donated items remain unused. “When we don’t have a Salvation Army service that can use a particular donation, we give them to St Vincent de Paul or other organisations like Cahma – AOD services and drop-in centre, that we have great contacts with,” shared Dee. “For example, Vinnies has a night soup kitchen, so we give them sleeping bags, heavy coats and toiletry bags. They can give these directly to those who come to the soup kitchen. We all share resources and support each other.”
United team
This year, the Handmade Market took place on the same weekend as the annual women’s conference ‘Breathe In, Breathe Out’ on 29 June. Major Kim Haworth, ACT/NSW Divisional Commander, and Major Robyn Black, Area Officer – Sydney Wide, were guest speakers. Many officers, soldiers, and volunteers attended the conference, and the men served at the venue.
“Usually, teams from the corps look after the Handmade Market stall, but this year, they couldn’t do the Saturday,” explained Dee. “So, the Mission Expressions team got together and decided to cover it, including one staff member who had recently resigned but wanted to help.
“Major Brett Gallagher, Chief Commissioner, Red Shield Defence Service, came for the media interview and great photos as our area officer, Major Dean Clarke, was at the conference – although he did make the time to come out and encourage us! The Canberra Times is very supportive in their coverage.
“We had Liz Dowd (Government Relations Coordinator), Damian Kelly (Salvos Home Care), Jennifer Kirkaldy (General Manager Policy and Advocacy), Captain Sally Stevens (Canberra City Corps Officer) and Maggie Qian (Doorways) all working together beautifully.”
On Sunday 30 June, volunteer teams from Canberra City Corps, Gungahlin Corps and Queanbeyan Corps looked after the stall. “Corps expressions and Mission working together – it’s the only way,” said Dee.
“Doorways and other teams will always step in when needed – it’s what we do,” said Dee.
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