Clint Faruggia from Bartlett Blinds has been hard at work ahead of Christmas, producing 16 swags to help give some comfort to Ballarat’s homeless.
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Bartlett Blinds chief executive officer Dave O’Brien said while the business supported the St Vincent de Paul’s Make a Swag for the Homeless initiative through the women in textiles division, there had been the opportunity to donate swags to Centacare Ballarat as well.
“We’re well aware of the homelessness in Ballarat and Ballarat in general has supported our business,” he said.
“This is some part of the way that we can give that back to Ballarat.”
Mr Faruggia said it was satisfying knowing where the swags were going and how they were going to be used.
“It’s being part of the community and helping out, and doing good will for people in need,” he said.
Centacare chief executive officer Tony Fitzgerald said the welfare agency would ensure the donation was distributed to the right people through its homelessness and advocacy programs.
“The research shows about 75 people sleep rough in Ballarat every night,” he said.
“And while it’s a little more tolerable in the warmer weather, they are still characterised by not having a place to live.
“By providing them with a basic sleep swag it can make a huge difference to someone trying to rebuild their life.”