owner Michele Colbert are encouraging the community to donate blankets, warm clothing and other supplies
to help keep vulnerable people comfortable this winter.
ac.care is calling on the community to help those in need this winter with its annual winter warmer appeal.
Donations of blankets, jumpers and other warm clothing and supplies are in demand by the not-for-profit organisation which works to support vulnerable people through the winter months.
While many still experience the impact on the cost of living crisis in the Limestone Coast, ac.care is expecting greater demand for winter warmer items which are expected to help comfort people in the cold conditions.
There are now several businesses and community groups contributing to collecting items for the campaign including Park Dry Cleaners.
Park Dry Cleaner owner Michele Colbert said becoming a drop-off point was an “obvious, easy choice”.
“We’re dry-cleaning doonas, blankets and coats all the time, so it made sense,” Ms Colbert said.
Ms Colbert said she used to be employed in the disability sector and would help clients access ac.care’s services including homelessness support.
“When you go into business you have an opportunity to do something outside of your core business and so supporting this appeal is one way we can help,” she said.
“You don’t need to be a customer to come in and make a donation – our friendly team are here to help and are right behind this.”
Another major driver of donations to the Mount Gambier/Berrin and Millicent community centres was TripleM and SAFM 96.1FM Limestone Coast Blanket Appeal.
TripleM Limestone Coast breakfast announcer Ewan Grant said the station was proud to continue its lead role in the appeal which also included an on-air campaign.
“The first fortnight of June has shown how cold winter can be for people living in the Limestone Coast,” Mr Grant said.
“Getting behind ac.care’s appeal gives everyone the chance to help people doing it tough in our community and we are doing what we can to help keep vulnerable people warm this winter.”
ac.care Limestone Coast homelessness service manager Kelly McGuinness once again thanked the community for the donations received so far which have been constantly flowing through to people in need.
“Already through autumn we were handing out blankets and warm clothing like jumpers, beanies and scarves to help people keep comfortable,” Ms McGuinness said.
“Vulnerable people often feel the impacts of weather more due to a range of factors, including homelessness, lack of suitable housing, no access to transport and financial pressures, which leave them avoiding things like electric heaters due to bill stress.
“The arrival of winter will only increase requests for warm items so we are grateful for the generous donations and support coming from businesses, groups and local people.”
Donations of blankets and warm clothing can be made at any ac.care site, including the Mount Gambier/Berrin and Millicent community centres, as well as Park Dry Cleaners.
Those wishing to contribute financially are able to through ac.care’s website or are still able to consider launching an acTIVEcare fundraiser.