Talking Heads

TALKING HEADS

Q: How can someone make a difference without making a donation?

Debra Boland – Animal Aid (Victoria) 

Caring for animals and encouraging people to be more active with their pets are the main drivers behind every Animal Aid program.

“We are always seeking volunteers to assist with our animal welfare work; in fact we couldn’t do it without them, along with donations of practical items for use in the daily routine of our shelters.

We have a wish list on our website of items we need that includes everything from a new washing machine for our vet clinic to card tables for our fundraising work.

We also have a number of Op Shops around Victoria, so any donations of good-quality second-hand goods assist us.

Every time you adopt a pet from one of our shelters (or recommend an adoption to a friend) you are helping our cause.”

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Ian Reeves – Amile Advocacy Service Inc. (Victoria)

AMILE is a no t-for -profit health promotion organisation that provides support, information and advocacy to those affected directly or indirectly by mental illness.

“ Amile organises lots of events throughout the year, which depend on volunteers. We welcome anyone who wants to help out – cooking snags at functions, handing out information at shopping centres or even giving yoga lessons at alternative therapy sessions.

We welcome food parcels, as often the families we assist are struggling. As far as other donations go, anything we can auction off at our trivia night is great. A portable barbecue would be welcomed.”

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Belle Uy - IWSS: Immigrant Women’s Support Services (Queensland)

IWSS works with women and children from non-English speaking background s who are or have been in violent domestic situations and/ or have experienced rape and/or sexual assault.

“We welcome the donation of in-kind items, particularly emergency relief goods such as toiletries, underwear and food. Also grocery gift cards, go cards, mobile phones, mobile phone credit and phone cards .

IWSS would encourage any assistance donors can offer. Groups like Zonta Breakfast Club of Brisbane have sent us cheques for small amounts of money, which they’ve raised through movie fundraisers.  

Individual or systemic advocacy to promote the rights of women and children from NESB is always welcome. We also welcome pro-bono services from legal (family law) and migration agencies.

Website and resource development assistance would be welcomed. It is vital for us to provide culturally relevant domestic violence resources.”

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