To support women and children fleeing from domestic violence, Bunbury Forum has once again partnered with South West Refuge, setting up a collection point where the community can donate essentials.
From 7 to 31 May, Bunbury locals can head to the collection points outside Big W or Woolworths to contribute brand new items such as toiletries, sanitary items, health and beauty products, toys, clothing and books. These will then be packed and donated to South West Refuge, which provides assistance to women and children escaping domestic or family violence in the South West region of Western Australia.
“During the past 12 months, Bunbury and the South West have come together as a community during the pandemic; now we’re hoping that our customers can help with donations to assist South West Refuge with the incredible work they do in our community,” said Bunbury Forum Marketing Manager, Ashley Hastie.
During the 2020 Christmas donation drive, Bunbury Forum collected and donated more than $5,000 worth of items to the South West Refuge. An enormous effort. However, during the past months, families seeking assistance from various organisations including the South West Refuge have increased significantly.
“When a woman, or women and children arrive at the Refuge, they usually have only the clothes they are wearing, so being able to provide a few items that can make them feel a little more comfortable and afford them dignity is incredibly important,” said South West Refuge CEO, Ali White.
“During the pandemic, family and financial pressures have seen demand for our services grow, so we appreciate any donations from the community.”
In order to ensure the anonymity and safety of the women and children within the refuge, the address is not made publicly available. This makes it impossible for South West Refuge to receive physical goods donated by the community without designated donation points.
Through the generosity and kindness of Bunbury Forum, in partnership with the South West community, the South West Refuge is able to provide the basic necessities that most of us take for granted.
