Wrapping Macarthur in love this winter with the 2022 Winter Appeal
Today, thousands of families in Macarthur are at crisis point at risk of becoming homeless or already homeless and heading into the coldest months of the year.
The 2022 Winter Appeal, an initiative between Wests Group Macarthur and Big Yellow Umbrella (BYU) hopes to collect winter donations including blankets, scarves, beanies and sleeping bags and deliver them directly to those that most need them.
The campaign has been designed to support the MacArthur Homelessness Steering Committee, the representative body of a network of organisations in the region providing support, counselling, food, clothing, and accommodation for the most vulnerable.
Wests and BYU are actively seeking donations of NEW or handmade items (only) including scarves, beanies, blankets, sleeping bags, backpacks, reusable water bottles, towels, face washers, toiletries and/or Kmart vouchers to be delivered to a nominated collection point including Wests League Club Leumeah and Big Yellow Umbrella head office in Narellan before Tuesday 5th July.
Kim Landouw from Big Yellow Umbrella shares, “In the past 18 months, we have seen an enormous increase in the prevalence of couch surfing, homelessness, mortgage and financial stress in the region. Every donation goes a long way toward assisting those less vulnerable and facing homelessness over the colder months”.
On assisting with the Winter Appeal, Wests Group Chairman Alan Buxton comments, “This Appeal between Wests, Big Yellow Umbrella and the Macarthur Homelessness Steering Committee is a practical way to support the growing number of hidden homeless in Macarthur with our venues acting as a drop off point for donations. We are pleased to be able to play a small role in helping individuals and families feel warm, safe and supported this winter”.
As an extension to the Winter appeal, Wests community team will also be hosting a Volunteer special event called “Love Squared” at West League Club Leumeah on Wednesday 20th July and is calling out for Volunteers.
Love Squared is a knitting and crochet event for members, guests, and local knitting groups to come together in person to assist in the crafting of beanies, scarfs and (10‘’) squares that will go onto create blankets and other handmade items to add to the winter appeal. Due to the cancellation of the event in 2021 due to Covid Lockdown we already have a number of squares to be joined together for the appeal.
Those interested or with basic to advanced knitting ability are encouraged to bring along spare balls of wool from their homes (acrylic 8 ply recommended) and their own 4mm needles and join the group for a day of social knitting for a great cause. Patterns, some wool and morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Registration is necessary and now open via community@westslc.com.au.
Wests Group believes in empowering the Macarthur community with social support, education, and donations through the adoption of tailored strategies to ensure the needs of individuals, families and groups are met.
For more information on our community support endeavours please visit www.westslc.com.au/community
