NEWS FLASH: AUD $25,000 DONATION MATCHING IS NOW IN PLAY
Thanks to lots of generous donors - we are really excited to announce that we have surpassed our first $25,000 in donations raised. We now have an extraordinary opportunity. For every dollar YOU donate, we have a very special donor who will match that donation by up to $25,000. This will double our chance of reaching our $50,000 target. It also means we might even exceed our target and reach a staggering $75,000 !!    Yes, that's right - your contribution will be doubled. This presents an amazing opportunity for you to magnify your impact on the lives of those who are in doing it tough this winter. A big thank you to our incredible matching donor - and to all of our wonderful donors !!

PROBLEM

The homeless situation for people sleeping rough in Tweed Shire, NSW, is the worst in the state. Many people not normally at risk of homelessness now find themselves in that situation.  Rapidly rising house prices and rental affordability issues make it difficult for many individuals and families to secure safe and stable housing.  Furthermore, recent natural disasters like bushfires and floods have only added to the difficulties faced by those in need of housing support. 

SOLUTION

Winter Warmer is a campaign aimed at helping the homeless community in the Northern Rivers region of Australia during the winter season.  The campaign supports community groups and charities that are working to alleviate the suffering of those who are sleeping rough in harsh winter conditions in the Tweed region of Northern NSW.  The campaign offers different support options, including providing meals, safe sleeps, warm winter clothing, toiletries, and new winter-warming sleeping bags.

Your support will make a significant difference as it will be equally shared among four Tweed-based community groups and charities that are tirelessly working to alleviate the suffering of those experiencing homelessness in the region:

1️⃣ Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Centre - is a vibrant human services community hub, which responds to the needs of people impacted by hardship, disadvantage, barriers to wellbeing, life challenges and changing circumstances.
2️⃣ Murwillumbah Community Centre - Aboriginal Family Support – culturally safe support for the Aboriginal community for a range of needs including homelessness, crisis support, advocacy and counselling
3️⃣ Fred's Place / Vinnies - Fred’s Place is an empathic, friendly, safe environment that provides services to vulnerable people and homeless within the local Tweed Heads community.
4️⃣ You have a Friend - provides help by way of food, warm clothing and bedding to homeless people as well as supporting single mothers and their children. It provides street meals to many people plus fruit/vegetables and grocery items each week to people living on the streets in areas such as Tweed Heads, Coolangatta, Murwillumbah, Chinderah, Pottsville, and Uki. 

All of these wonderful charities provide support and assistance to homeless people, including meals, laundry facilities, counseling, and other essential services. 
 
The funds raised by Dharma Care’s Winter Warmer campaign will be used to provide  meals, safe sleeps, warm winter clothing, toiletries, and new winter-warming sleeping bags for the homeless community across the Tweed shire.

LONG TERM IMPACTS

With winter approaching and homeless communities facing the challenges of sleeping rough in cold, wet, and harsh conditions, we have an opportunity to make a difference in their lives.   By spreading support and donating to a diverse range of community groups and charities, we can help alleviate the suffering of those in need in the Northern Rivers region. With your donations, we can make a positive impact and help those who are struggling to get through the winter months.

Images for this campaign are used with permission from Dr Livingstone Armytage’s book – Homeless: Hidden in Plain Sight. Photos: © Livingston Armytage (2023).  We will have a few exclusive signed copies at the Winter Warmer fundraising Cabaret on Thurs 15th June.