The world doesn’t stop – even when your life has fallen apart.
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While the rush of back-to-school shopping is often dreaded by many, this annual ritual is a luxury for the thousands of families who have escaped domestic violence.
Every day, domestic violence forces hundreds of people to flee their homes, and leave everything behind – apart from the hope of a safer and brighter future.
Charity ‘Friends with Dignity’ aims to provide school supplies to hundreds of children living in refuge as part of its annual Back to School Drive – and the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner wants to help.
Friends with Dignity believes all children deserve to live safely, and be guaranteed a new beginning.
“We are aiming to provide over 500 backpacks nationally to children who have faced the trauma of domestic violence, and had to leave their much loved belongings behind,” said Friends with Dignity Co-Director and Chief Financial Officer, Julia McKenna.
“Starting the new school year is hard enough for all children, but starting at a new school, not knowing anyone and not having the essentials that every other child has, can be all too much to handle.”
One in five children witness and/or experience violence at home, and the assistance provided by charities such as Friends with Dignity give children the opportunity to ease into new schools following family upheaval.
Donations are being collected by volunteers to make back-to-school packs now until the January 16.
Something as simple as a pencil case or a lunch box can go so far to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community, and help promote learning and stability for these children.
“We are looking for people to donate new or excellent condition backpacks, drink bottles, lunch boxes, colouring pencils, lead pencils, erasers, glue sticks and exercise books,” said Ms McKenna.
Drop-off any contributions at the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner office at 30C Orient Street Batemans Bay.