VOLUNTEERS IN PROFILE: NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
Fiona Smith has a special understanding of what it means to receive support from an organisation like Eureka Mums.
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Four years ago she fled her home with three kids to escape family violence.
“We left at very short notice. I was lucky to have the time to pack bags but not everyone is so lucky,” she said.
“You know that by leaving one of the first things you are doing is putting your children into poverty by escaping a very unhappy relationship.
“If the same thing were to happen now I would be able to get single bed linen for all of us for our beds and clothes bags and toy bundles, something to distract the kids at those times when it is stressful and they’re living somewhere they are not used to.”
It makes a huge difference just knowing there are people out there that care about you.
- Fiona Smith
Ms Smith has volunteered twice a week at Eureka Mums since October 2017. The charitable organisation provides clothing, bedding, toys, cots, and prams to families in need.
She bundles donations into specific gift packs, for example clothing for a three year old girl or bed linen for a single bed, and trains corporate and student volunteers to assist.
Welfare agencies make orders for items to support their clients and collect from the Sebastopol warehouse.
Ms Smith said it was fulfilling to do work that she knew could make a difference to lives.
“There is larger community benefit by these children being able to have clothing and have toys that helps build up their confidence and self esteem,” she said.
“And the parents can know there are people out there who are wanting to support them, whether they be foster parents who have had children come into their care, or children who are returning to parental care, people fleeing family violence, or people who find themselves unemployed and don’t have the financial means – they may be having a new baby and they’re doing the panic of how are we going to afford a new cot and a car seat.”
Eureka Mums is currently seeking donations of warm winter clothing, blankets and single bed linen.
Donations can be made on Tuesday and Thursday from 11am to 12pm and the first and third Saturday of each month from 11am to 12pm at 15 Gray Street Sebastopol.
Visit eurekamums.org/ for more information about donating or volunteering.
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