Corio Devils pitch in for Lazarus

THE Corio Community Sports Club has rallied its members to help vulnerable people in Geelong by collecting 21 sleeping bags for donation to the Lazarus Community Centre.

Club president Greg Ince and secretary Lynda Bennett timed the drive to enable a pre-Christmas delivery of the bags to Lazarus last week so they were available to those who needed them.

The centre’s general manager Jade Hamilton said donations such as the sleeping bags from the Devils were the difference between people freezing at night, or staying warm.

“Sometimes it’s just what people think are simple items that are a game changer for people experiencing homelessness…we rely on our local Geelong community to be able to provide the service for our 50 clients coming through the door each day. They’d be going without a sleeping bag or something practical and essential like that.”

Ms Hamilton said Lazarus was constantly looking for new avenues of support to ensure it remains a safe and welcome space for people to shower, wash and dry clothes, get a meal and meet with volunteers and specialist homelessness staff.

“We accept any donations at the moment, we receive no government funding, we’re run by volunteers and community donations, so that’s how we survive.

“There’s no case management here, we just serve people who come in the door… we just really want to provide a safe place for people to rest, eat good food, have a wash. It sounds so simple, right?”

When it opened five years ago, a busy day at Lazarus was 17 people coming through the door. Now, an average of between 40-55 visit each day and most are rough sleepers.

“So, bags and tents are hot property,” Ms Hamilton said.

To cope with its increasing demand, the organisation is hoping to expand its operations at the old Geelong jail and has launched a new campaign, $100 from 100.

“We’re hoping to expand relocate out the back of the jail next year and are trying to encourage the Geelong community and businesses to donate $100 a month for food – all tax deductible – energy bills, a wage for staff, and expand our services,” she said.

Mr Ince said the club was spurred into action after being alerted of Lazarus’s need for donations, and believed it was now incumbent on organisations such as his to do more to contribute to society.

“Most sporting clubs have to do a bit more these days than just be about sport; they’ve got to be a bit more connected to the community, it’s about helping the community.

“Last year we did something too, collecting food for a local charity; we’ll definitely do it again next year.”

To support Lazarus, head to lazaruscommunitycentre.com.au/get-involved