Vulnerable Western Australians who are unhoused or escaping family violence in regional communities will this winter get essential everyday items with the help of Mineral Resources (MinRes).
The Essentials Collective Inc, a charity that generates donations of basic items for people in need, is expanding its Collecting the Basics campaign to the Pilbara and Goldfields-Esperance regions after receiving financial support from the MinRes Community Grant Program.
The annual campaign invites donations of new items such as blankets, jumpers, socks, beanies, ponchos and personal hygiene productions to any of the charity’s 24 drop-off locations across Perth.
Donated items are then sorted by volunteers and distributed to local refuges, drop-in centres and outreach services.
Through the support of the MinRes Community Grant, more than 10 community service providers in the Pilbara and Goldfields-Esperance will receive delivery of much-needed items.
MinRes General Manager Communities and Heritage Heath Nelson said MinRes is committed to supporting programs that create genuine positive health and wellbeing outcomes in the local communities in which it operates.
“Regional communities play a vital role in the success of MinRes and the mining industry. We are proud to support local organisations with events and initiatives to help ensure all residents in the community can thrive,” Heath said.
“We’re thrilled to be supporting The Essentials Collective to enable them to extend the distribution of donations to regional centres – it’s going to make a real difference to those facing serious disadvantage.”
Since its inception in 2014, The Essentials Collective Inc has distributed more than 226,000 donated items to 30 community service providers – and demand keeps growing.
The Essentials Collective Inc Chairman Richard Bone said the campaign provides an opportunity for the community to come together and make a meaningful difference to the lives of those facing adversity.
“Winter can be an exceptionally difficult time if you are sleeping rough. To most of us, a toothbrush or sanitary product is a basic everyday item that we use without second thought,” Mr Bone said.
“But to our community’s most vulnerable, a donation of clean underwear or a warm blanket is a gift of dignity and kindness.”
Community organisations operating in the Pilbara and Goldfields-Esperance regions or within the Shire of Yilgarn can apply for a MinRes Community Grant. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to support programs and initiatives that focus on education, Aboriginal engagement, health and wellbeing and the environment.
Applications are now open for the next round of the MinRes Community Grant Program. Eligible organisations are encouraged to apply, with applications closing 31 July 2023. More information, including the application form, can be found here.
