Hug for community

In conjunction with the Hilltops Youth Action Group, local businesses have banded together to ‘wrap their arms around the community’ and donate various items to help those suffering from mental health issues due to COVID-19 and assist the homeless and victims of domestic violence.

These packs were put together and distributed from Monday.

A group of hard working women from the Hilltops Community Hub, Young Crisis Accommodation Centre, PCYC and the health sector came together at Label A to pack and ensure the bags go where they are most needed.

At least 350 packs were put together on Monday with at least 10 people donating their time to distribute $2250 worth of non-perishable food and goods.

The following businesses ‘wrapped their arms around the community’: A.D. Tanner Constructions, Hamblin’s Pharmacy, Greenhomes, Super IGA Young, Seedtech, Young Aquatic Centre, Graze Away, Tess Clothing, Jewelz n Things, Vicki and Fox Maxwell, Supercheap Auto Young, Fred O’Reilly’s Printing, Wilders Bakery, Sheehan’s Sunnyside Bakery, Woolworths Young, Label A, Art of Espresso, Native Botanical, Langford Plumbing & Gas Fitting, Steve Carroll on behalf of GWH Bathroom and Laundry Renovations, Diverse Range, Bunnings Young, Afends and Silent Theory.

Donated items included food, personal items, clothing, blankets, tea and coffee, vouchers, diaries, books, garden items, pool passes, tools, jewellery, a diverse range of bags and much more. Label A owner Alison Foreman led the campaign, which came about from a conversation with a school teacher about the mental health impacts of COVID-19.

Further conversations lead to discovery of the impact of mental health suffering in the area.

“We hope we bring a bit of joy to people’s lives,” she said.

“It’s the community coming together to take care of each other...it’s about embracing the community, not giving a hand out.”

“It’s amazing how much food you can buy for $2000!”

The packs were distributed to schools in the Hilltops, to the Hub, Young Crisis Centre and PCYC.

Mums with new babies tackling mental health issues, frontline workers and others in the community were also recipients.

Alison said businesses will look at making this an annual event. “The feedback we got is that it’s a perfect time,” she said.

If this raises any issues for you, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or NSW Police on 000. Contact Young Crisis Accommodation Centre on 6382 4436.

• Topics:

• Community
• Covid-19
• Local Business / Economy
• Fundraising and Charitable Causes