Give old threads a new purpose

LOCAL charity The SHIFT Project is seeking clothing donations for a fundraising garage sale at Byron Bay Surf Club on Saturday June 28.

The donations of quality used clothing can be dropped off at Bell & Ford in Bangalow or Red Ginger in Byron Bay or Bangalow.

Money raised will go towards a range of programs for women and families who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

The SHIFT Project was founded in 2015 by Anne Goslett, who has more than 30 years’ experience working with community organisations around the country, to help homeless women who were struggling to rebuild their lives after the crisis had passed.

Over the past few years, it has adapted to respond more to crisis and to include families.

“The Northern Rivers community has an ever-growing homeless population and particularly for women and children facing economic poverty due to the high cost of living,” Goslett said.

As well as facilitating access to rental properties at a reduced rate and providing subsidies, SHIFT offers access to a financial coach to help families remain in their homes, slowly increasing the rent over a two-year period.

It also launched a social enterprise laundry, Linen SHIFT, which offers employees shifts during school hours, and is establishing another small employment option in textile designs with Bundjalung artist Nickolla Clark and textile artist Annie Leon.

“Our aim is to build, strengthen, and empower the social, cultural, environmental, economic and community-based relationships for women in the Northern Rivers to help them overcome trauma and isolation,” Goslett said.

“Crisis support can be used initially and is a short-term response. We provide long-term practical support that can include accommodation and re-building and reconnecting back into the community whilst addressing the impact of trauma on a daily level that impedes the women in making better choices.”