Youth service Emerge Toowoomba launches Christmas appeal with Colliers International after helping more than 230 young people in 2020

A Toowoomba service that supports disadvantaged youth across the city has launched its Christmas appeal, with the help of a top real estate agency.

Jen Shaw of Emerge.

Jen Shaw’s life-changing Emerge service has never needed to help so many young people with so few resources and income in Toowoomba before 2020.

“I’ve got some kids in the house that have been sleeping in alleyways, rooftops and couch-surfing,” she said.

“We’ve worked with 237 kids in the past 12 months.

“We have emergency accommodation and it’s always full — we know of many kids doing it pretty tough at the moment.

“We don’t say no and we never turn anyone away, we’re on speed dial from Child Safety and other services – we just find a solution (if we’re full) but we are totally stretched.”

The dedicated organisation to support disadvantaged youth has launched its Christmas appeal with the help of Colliers International Commercial.

Ms Shaw said while people could support the service by visiting Emerge Cafe on Station St, she said the service needed the essentials to help young people in crisis.

“It’s not only corporate support, but government funding is tighter than ever,” she said.

“Unfortunately, Christmas is always a high time of need, but this year it’s even harder.

“Things like non-perishable food are needed, things to fill tummies, but also Christmas stuff because it’s nice to be treated.

“We also keep essential things like mobile phones and petrol vouchers handy so we welcome those.

“Come into the cafe, because that’s how we fund what we do.

“We don’t get government funding, so having people come in is absolutely what we need right now.”

Colliers has called on the donation of a vast array of items to make up care pack kits.

Donations can be dropped off at the agency’s office at 126 Margaret St and must by in by December 15.