Christmas giving to help the homeless

THE Tweed Shire Mayor has identified homelessness as the focus of this year’s Mayor’s Christmas-New Year Appeal.

Cr Cherry is urging residents to donate money to Tweed homelessness charities Fred’s Place and Agape Outreach.

“I encourage anyone who is thinking of donating to a charity instead of buying presents this year to donate to local homelessness charities in the Tweed Shire,” she said.

“Homelessness is a critical issue locally, with the Tweed ranking among the three most prevalent areas for homelessness in NSW. Soaring house prices and extremely low rental availability are compounding the problem.

“At council, we’re continuing to advocate for practical solutions and collaborate with state agencies on homelessness. However, it is these charities that are at the frontline of the homelessness issue in the Tweed and could really do with your support, now and at any time of the year.”

Homelessness has profound and lasting impacts on individuals and families and is associated with poor health, higher rates of mental illness, and future employment challenges, as well as increased use of health, justice and welfare services.

Fred’s Place is a drop-in service supporting people experiencing homelessness, and providing primary support including food, showers and laundry facilities.

Agape Outreach is a charity organisation which focuses on

assisting those experiencing homelessness and in need from Byron Bay in NSW through to Runaway Bay in Queensland, and has provided more than 66,000 fresh hot meals on the streets this year.

“Christmas is a time of giving, a time to celebrate family and to put others first. By donating money, we can assist our community members who are in need, especially at this time of year,” Cr Cherry said.

“Let’s help all of our community to enjoy the Christmas period.”

Donations for the Mayor’s Christmas/New Year Appeal will be open until January 31.

To donate to Fred’s Place, utilise the St Vincent de Paul Society Appeals account name, with BSB 062 193, account number, 10057471, and ‘11324 Freds Place’ as a reference.

To donate to Agape Outreach, visit agapeoutreachinc.com