Cafs seeks cash for clothing program

ONE of Ballarat’s leading child and family services organisations is calling on donations to continue operating a key initiative for those doing it tough when it comes to clothing.

Staff at Cafs commenced their fundraising effort on Wednesday last week with the aim of maintaining their Thread Together program.

Operating across the Central Highlands region, the non-profit program provides brand new clothing donated by retailers to people struggling financially.

Cafs CEO, Wendy Sturgess, said support from community is essential to keep the initiative running.

“We are calling for the community to get behind Cafs Thread Together, to keep the doors open into next year and ensure that the experience is available to those in our community who need it most,” she said.

“As Thread Together is funded entirely by Cafs, each year we rely on financial donations to keep the lease on the premises, fund the operational expenses and keep the Thread Together van on the road responding to the needs of people experiencing hardship in Daylesford, Ararat, Beaufort and Bacchus Marsh.”

The call-out was made with the aim of making use of more greater tax deductions on donations due to the end of the 2024/25 financial year.

It’s estimated clients are referred to the program by more than 52 organisations, with intake including other service agencies, as well as local sporting clubs and schools.

The Thread Together service has been operating since June, 2021 and more than 2200 people are expected to benefit this year with a new wardrobe of more than 20,000 clothing items.

The initiative is currently secure until the end of the month.