Villawood furnishes the Encompass winter appeal

GEELONG not-for-profit organisation Encompass says items donated by Villawood Properties have been taken up immediately by Geelong’s needy.

The collection from several of the developer’s display homes included beds, dining settings, lounge suites, TVs, cabinets, stools, artwork, lamps, couches, tables and a rocking chair.

They were donated by Villawood to supplement Encompass’ annual winter campaign “Clothing the Community”.

This week, Encompass business services manager Jan Daniels said the donation had made an impact from day one.

“A lovely refugee family, just rehoused, are absolutely delighted with their new bed and kitchen set. Barwon Child Youth & Family say a big thank-you to Villawood and a blessing from the family.

“A young mum with two children will access a house-load after fleeing domestic violence, so we will get that to her as soon as possible.

“And, finally, a young man living independently with a disability in his own unit has finally been able to access some drawers. He has waited a while.

“I am fortunate that I get to see the joy this generous donation brings so thank you from the agencies.”

Encompass Community Services helps about 75 Geelong families a week in high-need areas, including women and children fleeing domestic violence.

Villawood has recently arranged its giant steel letters in its Wandana estate in Highton to spell out “#withrefugees” and, most recently, “call it out”.

“The ‘call it out’ message is about tackling sexism and gender inequality, two factors closely linked to family violence,” Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe said.

“We hope this furniture can help people affected by such problems to get their lives back on track.

“I also encourage everyone who can do so to help Encompass as it carries out its valuable work with these people at the very coalface.”

For more information on the “Clothing the Community” drive, head to encompass-cs.org.au.