Braving the cold for change

Participants were invited to spend a night at the church to experience the actuality of homelessness in the region, raising funds and awareness in the process.

U-Choose Independent Support Services, St Mary’s Parish, Echuca Moama Community Projects and Epicentre Church raised more than $4500 and produced more than 100 non-gendered essential backpacks.

Donated items, including clothing, hygiene products and blankets, were sorted into the backpacks on the night to equip those experiencing homelessness with vital items.

Local businesses and community members donated the requested items, including half a crate of female hygiene packs from the Share the Dignity Foundation.

Following the event, U-Choose program manager Sallyanne Dobson said the committee had recently decided where the donations would go.

More than 10 backpacks have been handed to headspace Echuca, along with art supplies bought with funds raised for its Looking Forward youth program.

Echuca Neighbourhood House, Crossenvale Community House and other local organisations will receive backpacks, food and high-demand donated items.

Vouchers donated by local groups for food and haircuts were given to Anglicare Echuca and the Epicentre op-shop, while Anglicare Echuca also received six swags.

Echuca’s police station will also receive backpacks and essential hygiene packs for women.

“We are also reaching out to other organisations, op shops and food banks locally and in surrounding towns to see how we can continue using the donations to support more people,” Ms Dobson said.

“Overall, the event was a wonderful success and something we will continue annually.”

Guest speakers gave their perspectives on homelessness in the region and Bamawm Extension Fire Brigade held a barbecue, collecting gold coin donations.