Imagine not having access to fresh food or clothes washing facilities. That’s unfortunately the case for many people including families and the homeless in Wauchope’s community.
To tackle this issue, Wauchope Neighbourhood Centre approached the ETC Community Support Fund for support so that they could purchase equipment for their Waugh Street premises.
Water tanks, a fridge/freezer, washing machine and dryer are now onsite to help complement the existing services provided by the Neighbourhood Centre.
“We have a fabulous community garden set up in our backyard which is run by volunteers. The produce from the garden is provided to our disadvantaged members of the community who aren’t able to feed themselves or their families,” said Lindy Peck the Manager of Wauchope Neighbourhood Centre.
“Unfortunately there has been a debilitating drought here which was killing the garden. Thanks to ETC, we were able to purchase some water tanks so we can have a supply of water handy to keep the garden sustaining.”
Ms Peck said the new fridge/freezer has allowed the Centre to store more food, keep it fresh and prevent wastage.
“Wauchope has a large number of homeless (many are youths), many of whom visit the centre to obtain some food and any other assistance that we can provide. We provide the Food Connect program, but didn’t have adequate storage for this rescued food,” Ms Peck explains.
“Based on feedback from clients we also purchased a washer and dryer so they had somewhere to wash and dry their clothes.”
Ms Peck said it was great to see so many members of the community come and access these new services already.
“I’d like to say thanks to ETC – this funding has really made a difference – not just to us, but our disadvantaged community members,” she said.
ETC Mid North Coast Business Relationship Manager Leeanne Stewart said it was a pleasure to be able to support the Wauchope Neighbourhood Centre and encouraged local community members to come and access the new equipment available to help them.
“The ETC Community Support Fund is designed to help organisations reduce disadvantage, generate opportunity, increase support services and/or build capacity in the communities in which we operate,” Ms Stewart said.
“ETC is proud to be a not-for-profit company and we are confident the money we are donating will help make a more positive future for our community.
ETC will be making available $250,000 in community grants as part of the next round of the ETC Community Support Fund which opens on 19 March 2018. For further information and/or to apply to the ETC Community Support Fund visit www.etcltd.com.au/csf
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