Forty-four UnitingCare West volunteers and staff took to the streets on Friday for the second annual street appeal, raising money and awareness for UnitingCare West’s homelessness services.
Volunteers, including Uniting Church members and students from Penrhos College and St Stephen’s School Carramar, held cardboard signs with slogans such as “I have a home, I have food. I’m collecting for someone who doesn’t.”
Volunteers placed themselves all over the Perth CBD from 7.00am–6.00pm, raising $3 592 for the Winter Appeal. Students from Wesley College also held a collection at their school on the day.
There are currently around 10 000 people in Perth who are experiencing homelessness, with around 61% of those being women.
Michael Patchell, chief financial officer for the Uniting Church WA spent time volunteering during the street appeal as a way to give back.
“I think it’s a great cause and people need to be aware of the number of homeless people in Perth,” Michael said. “I feel very fortunate to have a home and a job and my health. So I’m looking to give something back today.
Jill Vaughan from Wembley Downs Uniting Church also joined the street team.
“I used to volunteer in the UK and it really hit home to me that homelessness can hit anywhere,” Jill said. “Nobody asks to be homeless; it’s through circumstances. We all deserve a chance in life.”
Donate to the UnitingCare West Winter Appeal by calling 1300 663 298 or visit www.unitingcarewest.org.au/donate/winterappeal.
