Our Hang it up for Poverty campaign has had a huge impact in the South East, where hundreds of people have accessed the free clothing donations.
About three tonnes of clothing was transported in a horse float to Bordertown for a two-day community distribution event in January.
UCWPA Employment Services Manager Cherie Jolly says the rural community, which has been hit hard by job losses in recent months, was extremely grateful for the support.
“There were people lined up when volunteers arrived to open at 10am – young mums and their children, right through to elderly people picking up clothing for themselves and family members,” Ms Jolly says.
“The volunteers from our partner organisations had worked together to ensure those in most need were aware of and able to access the clothing.”
UCWPA’s Tatiara Employment Support Service worked alongside St Vincent de Paul, Tree of Hope and St Mary’s Catholic Parish to distribute the clothing from the St Mary’s Community Centre.
Ms Jolly says news spread far and wide to make sure people in need from nearby communities could also access the clothing.
“A parishioner who works closely with new immigrants drove around and knocked on doors to make sure that new community members had received the invitation to come and collect clothing for their families,” she says.
“I spoke to one young family from Afghanistan who could not believe that the clothes were free and that they would be so warmly invited and supported to access it.
“Watching their little girl find and hug a pretty dress made all the effort of pulling this project together worthwhile.”
The event had such a positive impact plans are now underway to run another free clothing distribution centre in the coming months.