Community digs deep for the homeless

DONATIONS of blankets, bedding, and warm clothing have helped increase the impact of ac.care on vulnerable people in the Limestone Coast during winter.

Generous contributions from community groups, businesses, schools, and local people were crucial in meeting demand as people experiencing hardship received support from ac.care’s community centres at Mount Gambier and Millicent.

The annual Triple M 90.5 and SAFM 96.1FM Limestone Coast Blankets and Winter Warmer Appeal once again attracted strong community support with residents answering the call to help bring comfort to people in need during the wintry conditions.

“We are thankful that the community heard and answered the call to support our most vulnerable people,” Triple M 90.5 Limestone Coast breakfast announcer Ewan Grant said.

“Once again that inherent goodness that is within our community has shone and we hope that continues to grow as we look out for local people doing it tough,” he said.

The appeal was also generously supported by Park Dry Cleaners, with the Mount Gambier business serving as a drop-off point for donations, which were then delivered to ac.care.

ac.care homelessness and community services manager Trish Spark said the number of people seeking support continued to grow, praising the community for its contributions that helped meet demand.

“The colder, wetter and shorter days of winter can really add to the challenges of people experiencing hardship as they try to keep warm, stay dry, manage their utility costs and access transport,” Ms Spark said.

“Every donation makes an impact and can help bring immediate comfort to someone while they receive support from our dedicated team to address other challenges they may be experiencing.”

Staff from the ac.care Limestone Coast homelessness service also continued its annual beanie drop around Mount Gambier public spaces to help bring support to people in their neighbourhood, while donations of winter warmer items flowed from the Lions Club of Mount Gambier, South East Property Sales and Management, and the Beachport Friends of ac.care, among many others.

The 2025 Limestone Coast Support Homeless People Luncheon also raised $135,000 to address homelessness in the region, while the major fundraising event has generated other impactful business initiatives.

“Homelessness is everybody’s business, and we are fortunate to live in a community that is prepared to be a part of the solution,” Ms Spark said.

“It is going to take a combined approach from governments, business, and the broader community to achieve meaningful change in ending homelessness and reducing the number of disadvantaged people in our region.”

While the winter appeal has ended, donations of new or as-new clothing, non-perishable foods, household items, and other goods are gratefully accepted at ac.care sites.

If you or someone you know needs support, visit accare.org.au to find your nearest site or call 1300 ACCARE (1300 222 273) to discuss how ac.care can help.