THE bitterly cold winter nights have well and truly set in now, and the old ice pick is needed on some mornings to get your car out of the driveway.
As you jump in your nice warm bed tonight and lay back on your warm fluffy pillows, switching on your electric blanket if you have one, or pulling the ultra thick doona right up to your eyeballs so that only your eyebrows feel cold, spare a thought for our homeless and underprivileged people.
There are many around our area with various reasons for being without a home, including financial difficulty, battling addictions, mental illness, fleeing abuse and domestic violence. Some are living in cars, some in temporary shelters and and some are braving the elements and looking for shelter.
In these cold conditions, they are likely sleeping on cold concrete or grass, some with only a piece of cardboard for warmth. If you’re in a position to, now is a great time to donate blankets, warm jackets and tinned soups. Or maybe the next time you go shopping and spot gloves and beanies for a few dollars each, you could purchase a pair or two for someone who can’t afford them. Thick winter jackets, beanies, gloves, socks and tinned hot meals are all things that will come in handy to those who don’t have the comfort we have to come home to.
The Penrith CBD Corporation’s Winter Appeal is back again, collecting goods across our large region that will be placed into the hands of those who need them.
Proudly supported by Penrith RSL, Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM, Penrith Community Kitchen, NAB and The Creative Fringe, your donated items can really make a difference to someone’s life – particularly at this time of year.
We all know times have been tough for pretty much everyone over the last few years, but if you can spare as little as $20 you could purchase a beanie, scarf and socks for someone who is really feeling the cold.
If ever there’s a time where a kind gesture is appreciated by those in need, it is during the coldest months of the year.
As it is the EOFY, a donation to the winter appeal is also tax deductible (check with your accountant if planning a sizable donation).
Penrith CBD Corporation CEO Gai Hawthorn, who was recently awarded the Order of Australia medal in recognition of her charity work, said they have recently partnered with Second Bite to organise emergency food hampers.
“We don’t want anyone to go hungry or freeze this winter,” Ms Hawthorn OAM said.
“If everyone could just spare a few dollars the problem would be addressed. Items or donations can be dropped off at the following places.”
Penrith RSL Club Penrith
Penrith CBD Corporation – Suite 3, 488 High Street, Penrith
NAB – Corner Henry and, Riley St, Penrith
Karen McKeown MP – 510-534 High Street Penrith
Creative Fringe – Unit 6/51 York Rd, Penrith
Or phone 4722 5556 for more details
Penrith Community Kitchen will continue to offer a hot meal at lunch each day of the week and Westcare offers relief packs, clothing and support – but now we need you to help ensure these services can continue to deliver.
If you can’t afford to buy a blanket The Creative Fringe is asking everyone to knit a 20 x 20 square which will become part of a warm woollen blanket. Go to their website www.thecreativefringe.com.au for further details.
Together we make a difference! You may only be able to afford one $5 scarf from Best and Less but that helps someone cold during winter and that is a big difference. Thank you in advance.
