West Welcome Wagon (WWW) launched its ‘Double the Difference’ campaign on Sunday, September 1
For the month, every dollar donated by the community will be matched (up to $20,000), meaning each donation will have double the impact.
WWW is aiming to raise $20,000 from community donations to be matched for a total of $40,000.
All donations will go towards West Welcome Wagon’s work to support refugees and people seeking asylum to rebuild their lives by providing them the items they need to establish a home as they settle into their new lives in Australia.
Chief executive Colette McInerney said there was an urgent need for cash donations at this point in time.
“We’ve got a pause on material donations until mid-October,” she said.
“We really, really need funding.”
She said the cost of living crisis is putting stress on those who might usually donate.
Volunteer Carmen Tommasi has been volunteering with WWW for the last 18 months.
When asked about what she found most rewarding about volunteering with WWW, she observed the effect it can have on people.
“When they come and volunteer, I think it changes their attitude and a lot of times they’ll come back- so I think in that way it changes people.
“Most times they are so happy to receive the goods.
“For me it’s about supporting people who need to be heard.”
Since its founding in 2013, WWW has supported 8000 refugees and people seeking asylum and provided 2,200 comfortable homes.
To donate: https://www.givenow.com.au/westwelcomewagon
Jaidyn Kennedy
