Hampers to support the homeless

TOWELS, blankets, sheets, socks, toys, handbags, scarves and even dog coats.

These are just some of the pre-loved items the 46 residents of Ingenia Gardens Sovereign have filled laundry baskets with, creating hampers to distribute to the homeless.

Also collecting non-perishable food, Ingenia Gardens Sovereign’s Community Manager, Lisa Meade hopes she can fill more baskets than any other Ingenia Village and spread some festive joy to those less fortunate.

“It will save them shopping, and it creates community spirit. Our residents love to get involved and it just brings the community together,” she said.

“A lot of the donations are coming from people re-gifting, instead of having something in their unit they’re never going to use. That’s nice, too.”

Resident, Margida Neiland said the project was a great idea.

“If there are really people in a critical condition, very poor or sick or something, to help them a little bit at Christmas, what’s wrong with that?” she said.

Ms Meade’s team is preparing to distribute all goods collected this Thursday at a barbecue.

“The Ballarat Pop Up Shop for the Homeless and Those in Need has invited 100 of their needy people, and we’re going to present the hampers to them,” she said.

Ingenia Gardens Sovereign has residents ranging from their mid-50s to 98 years old. Ingenia Gardens Hertford is also participating in the project.