Bringing smiles to DV survivors at Easter

One DV survivor told her children there would be no Easter this year, it just wasn’t possible. Then DV charity RizeUp stepped in to bring them parcels of Easter “love”.

Redlands Coast RizeUp volunteers packaged up “Easter love” for families being supported by domestic violence agencies.

RizeUp Australia volunteers have put smiles on the faces of more than 120 children across the Redlands Coast this Easter.

The Queensland based charity’s Capalaba branch busily collected donations from across the city to deliver to 120 children and 77 women who are being supported by domestic violence frontline services in the region.

RizeUp Homes Manager Jodie Frisch said the charity had been overwhelmed by the continuing generosity of locals and the kindness of volunteers who helped to make the deliveries possible.

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“We’ve had a huge response this Easter,” Ms Frisch said.

“The numbers just grow every year.”

In the lead up to today volunteers have spent time collecting and delivering Easter packages to support agencies working on the front line.

“Our volunteers love being involved in providing something that is practical support.”

“We help in lots of different ways but no child should have to go without and a lot would if we couldn’t gift them with the eggs.”

RizeUp volunteers Jane Pennisi & Debbie Kennedy

Ms Frisch said one in four children across Australia was currently living in a home “where domestic violence takes place”.

The charity’s annual Easter drive helps bring joy to parents and children with a small “gift of love”.

“The need is really big,” Ms Frisch said.

“We don’t meet the families, as it’s not necessary, but we get feedback from the support workers and we know we are making a difference.”

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In total the Easter campaign provided gifts to 1128 children and 997 women in the lead up to Easter.

RizeUp is looking for volunteers to join in and support the charity’s work.

“Follow our Facebook page, contact us, donate items or you can give your time,” Ms Frisch said.

“But don’t be put of by needing to do something huge - little things make a big difference.”

Who is RizeUp

• Established in 2015
• Supporting vulnerable families and children trying to escape domestic violence
• Works with front line agencies, refuge and specialist domestic violence services
• Transforms homes for DV survivors with donated goods
• Find them at Rizeup Australia