Lending a hand in Western Australia's Pilbara region

This year alone GIVIT has coordinated more than 50,000 donated items for people in need across WA. This includes nearly 100 items such as appliances for people in need in Port Hedland, and $5,500 in fuel and grocery vouchers for remote Pilbara communities.

GIVIT is working closely with Bloodwood Tree Association Inc., Hedland Women’s Refuge and Pilbara Community Legal Service to support people experiencing family violence, at-risk of homelessness and those in the regress scheme battling the consequences of institutional child sexual abuse.

"Food vouchers from GIVIT have been the difference for some families, in terms of being able to put a nutritious family meal on the table or going without."

- Bloodwood Tree Association Inc CEO, Kelly Howlett

Family Violence Outreach Worker for Pilbara Community Legal Service Inc., Dolly Colfer, said GIVIT’s donated goods mean her team can help more remote clients in need.

“Women who make the decision to leave a domestic violence situation in a hurry often don’t have access to money or accommodation. With the GIVIT donations, we were able to assist immediately with new phones so they can call for help, as well as nappies, strollers, baby formula and clothing.”

“The relief and worry that’s taken away from these women at a very traumatic time is priceless. It's one less thing that the women have to worry about.”

Ms Visser says GIVIT is aware food insecurity is an issue throughout regional Western Australia, and is utilising donated funds and items to support the 10 GIVIT-registered Pilbara charities.

We're grateful to be able to act as a platform for charity groups in the Pilbara to obtain everyday items to support locals dong it tough.

For people on limited income with very little support, the task of kitting out a home is huge. We’re using donated funds to provide household items such as towels, kettles and toasters for people who have moved into secure accommodation. Many of these people are effectively homeless after escaping domestic violence situations, and fled their homes with nothing but what they were carrying.

One of our first donations went to purchasing a washing machine for a woman who had escaped domestic violence and was setting up a safe home for herself and children. Being able to clean their clothes in her home helped restore and allow more quality time with her kids as she no longer had to wash by hand.

GIVIT WA ENGAGEMENT OFFICER, SARAH VISSER

To support disadvantaged Western Australians in the Pilbara region affected by some of the issues touched on above, you can: