Region’s Winter appeal warming hearts launches

Here’s how you can help those in need and be rewarded with a gift card in return

WINTER is just days away and as temps start to drop, pleas to help those in need continue to rise.

Civic Assist have launched their annual Winter Warmth Appeal and are now accepting warm clothes and bedding donations from the public.

WINTER WARMTH: Sorting donations are (from left) Jenny Alchin, Pam Martin and Helen Muller given to Civic Assist’s Winter Warmth Appeal at Grand Central. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Operations manager Helen Muller said with the current housing crisis and so many people struggling, it’s more important than ever to clean out the closet and dig deep.

“Every year Civic Assist holds the Winter Warmth Appeal where we collect winter items such as blankets and clothing for families who are doing it tough during our winter season,” Ms Muller said.

“We had a lot of people coming to us prior to the appeal starting, who needed warm bedding particularly and we’ve provided hundreds of dollars worth of items already … we live in the most incredibly, generous community.”

KIND GESTURE: Enver Ow Yong and mum Elin Chow donate to Civic Assist’s Winter Warmth Appeal staffed by Pam Martin at Grand Central. Picture: Kevin Farmer

In fact on the first day alone, hardworking volunteers were able to fill eight large wheelie bins and about $200 in vouchers had already been distributed.

Ms Muller said all quality donations are welcome with clothing in larger sizes and coats particularly in high demand.

“We always ask for quality second-hand clothing and quality to us means that the buttons are there, the zip works, there’s no tears and it’s clean,” she said.

“It’s only a small percentage (of items received) that are not usable but quality really is about providing something that we would be happy to continue wearing.”

But this year Grand Central have jumped on board to support the worthy cause and reward the community for their generosity.

HEART WARMING: Pam Martin (left) and Jenny Alchin of Civic Assist sort donations given to Civic Assist’s Winter Warmth Appeal at Grand Central. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Grand Central marketing executive Julie Thompson said for this week only and until stock lasts, anyone donating to the Winter Warmth Appeal will receive a gift card.

“It’s really important to support local charities and Grand Central are really pleased to assist Civic Assist with its Winter Warmth Appeal,” Ms Thompson said.

“It’s a really great charity that provides great warm clothes, doonas and the like.

“Grand Central are really pleased to be able to thank donators this week with a little thanks of a $20 gift card that they spend back in the centre

“If (people) bring a bag of winter woollies in to donate, we will provide a little thanks by giving them a $20 gift card that they can spend back in the centre.”

The collection point is at Centre Court near Smiggle and Gazman in Grand Central Shopping Centre and will be open during trading hours from May 24 to 28.

Civic Assist will have other collection points operating until July 31.

Monetary donations can also be made online by clicking here.

Enver Ow Yong and mum Elin Chow donate to Civic Assist’s Winter Warmth Appeal staffed by Pam Martin at Grand Central. Picture: Kevin Farmer