GIVIT partners with Wathaurong Co-operative

INNOVATIVE online donation platform GIVIT has delivered five boxes of new clothing to the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative as part of new partnership with the organisation.

The clothes are to be distributed via the co-operative’s community strengthening team to Indigenous families in the region and is one of many projects in the region from the national not-for-profit donation platform.

The partnership is the result of GIVIT representatives holding a series of meetings in Geelong with organisations that provide essential services and support for vulnerable people.

Victoria Manager Cath Harris said their aim was to increase the support GIVIT already provides to almost 20 Geelong support services that help people experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, domestic and family violence or needing mental health support.

“The past two years has been a struggle for many people across the Geelong region, with the COVID-19 pandemic seeing financial hardship increase due to a number of factors.

“The GIVIT website matches Victorians who are in need with donors from communities across Australia who will help provide essential items such as clothing, toiletries, mobile phones, groceries, school supplies, furniture and household goods.

“Organisations such as Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative do an incredible job of providing support, and in particular culturally appropriate support for Indigenous community members, but are often stretched in terms of resources to be able to source essential items.”

Ms Harris said GIVIT is uniquely positioned to help provide donations to ensure people get exactly what they need, when they need it.

The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative’s Jordyn Flagg said a number of his organisations programs and services had already been identified as needing assistance through the GIVIT platform.

“A lot of our programs, like our weekly Homework Club, rely on volunteers and donated supplies to support learning in a culturally safe environment.

“We are also looking to start up a skateboarding program for our youth, and would love to be able to give a skateboard, plus all the required safety gear, to every child who wants to participate.”

“Partnering with GIVIT to spread the message of the types of donations that our families are in need of will allow us to continue to deliver these programs and assist our families to be able to participate.”

To donate or register for donations, head to givit.org.au