By JUSTIN FLYNN
SOMETIMES the simplest of gestures can evoke the biggest response.
And that’s where three separate organisations have come together to help.
Encompass Community Services, Bellarine police and the Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre have teamed up to help the disadvantaged with a drop-off point for good quality warm clothing for people in need during the colder months. The initiative is named ‘Clothing the Community’.
The idea was the brainchild of Bellarine police’s Leading Senior Constable Laurie Taylor.
“We probably see more disadvantaged people than most in our job,” he said.
“It’s an area that we can push them in the right direction.”
People in need often require adequate clothing during winter and spring. The idea is for Ocean Grovers to donate a good quality jacket or other item of warm clothing to a drop-off box at Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre.
Encompass is a not-for-profit organisation committed to promoting equality and opportunity for people. It offers support to people with physical, intellectual, sensory and psychological disabilities, young people who are disengaged, long-term unemployed and those facing financial, social or learning barriers.
Encompass marketing and communications manager Kiane McKinlay said that people with a disadvantage or disability were often in need of help.
“Our goal is that anyone who walks through our door with a problem can be helped and listened to,” she said.
Encompass, based in Geelong, has been operating for 30 years and was right behind the initiative along with the Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre.
You can drop off an item of warm clothing at the centre at 1 John Dory Drive.
