Lifeline Darling Downs launches Share the Warmth Winter Appeal

Lifeline and LJ Hooker have joined forces to deliver more warmth to the Toowoomba community this winter, but they need your help.

SHARE THE WARMTH: Mike Stewart from LJ Hooker Commercial and Rachelle Patterson from Lifeline at the winter appeal launch. Picture: Bev Lacey

As Toowoomba’s homeless crisis intensifies, Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland has launched its Share the Warmth winter Appeal to try and bring some hope and humanity to people sleeping rough.

With winter just around the corner, the organisation is preparing for what is traditionally a challenging time with increased demand for support from struggling families and individuals.

The added strain of the COVID-19 pandemic is stretching resources, with 500 people estimated to be homeless each night in Toowoomba.

Long-term supporters of Lifeline Darling Downs, LJ Hooker Commercial is the major sponsor for the appeal which aims to provide homeless people with blankets, clothes and prepaid cash cards to purchase items to try and keep their loved ones warm this winter.

Principal of LJ Hooker Commercial, Mike Stewart, with Rachelle Patterson the acting CEO of Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland.

LJ Hooker Commercial Toowoomba principal Mike Stewart said the real estate company was aware of just how serious the region’s homeless problem was becoming.

“As one of the biggest providers of accommodation and corporate spaces in the region we see first hand the impact the housing shortage is having on the community, and we feel it is our responsibility to support these sorts of initiatives,” he said.

“We are currently managing somewhere between 1300-1400 properties, and right now you can probably only rent two of them so we know times are tough.

“The only thing between many people having a house over their head and becoming homeless is a week’s wage.”

Lifeline Darling Downs, Acting CEO, Rachelle Patterson said the Share the Warmth appeal is an opportunity to warm the lives of those doing it tough, practically and emotionally.

“All donations received will be used to help feed those who are hungry, provide warm clothing and blankets to those who are cold, and crisis support and suicide prevention services to those who are struggling,” she said.

“The need in the local community has never been greater and with social distancing measures still in place the community is being asked to donate funds rather than items where possible.”

A donation of $60 will provide a half-hour counselling session to a person who is really struggling, a $50 donation will provide a family with a food parcel while $15 will provide someone with a hygiene package.

Supporters also have the opportunity to create their own fundraiser to raise additional

funds for the appeal.

For more information on how you can make a difference, follow this link.