BACKPACKS BRING DIGNITY TO SCHOOLKIDS
GOLD Coast charity Friends With Dignity is urging Australians to dig deep as its annual Back to School Drive nears its end.
The charity, which supports women and families suffering from domestic violence, is collecting school supplies for children in refuge.
Friends With Dignity founder Manuela Whitford said many did not realise how difficult this time of year could be for families.
“When you’re going through crisis it’s the last thing on your mind but it’s an absolute necessity,” she said.
“They try and normalise their lives as much as possible by getting the kids into schools straight away where they’re relocated. If they don’t have the right equipment they stand out.”
The supplies will be sorted into “back-toschool packs” for the thousands of children living in refuges around Australia, many of whom struggle to afford them on their own.
Co-director and chief financial officer Julia McKenna said they hoped to ease families’ burdens.
“Leaving behind your home, school, friends and family to escape the ravages of domestic violence drastically affects the confidence of young people,” she said.
“We are aiming to provide over 500 backpacks to children who have faced the trauma of domestic violence, and have had to leave their much loved belongings behind.”
One in five children witness and/or experience violence at home. Donations are being collected until tomorrow.
Go to friendswithdignity.org.au