In response to shocking levels of housing stress in Goulburn, parishioners from Christ Church Anglican parish and F5 Refresh Ministries chose to put compassion into action with their recent walkathon raising over $2000 for Anglicare’s local Emergency Accommodation service. On Sunday 30 July, over 40 participants donned their walking shoes to complete the 4.5km route.
“We know that homelessness is a problem in our community, and that’s why we’re so committed to running this annual walkathon event,” says Debbie Walsh, administrator for both parishes. “It brings us together as parishes in a cause we know can make a real difference to people in need.”
For Toni Reay, Manager of Anglicare’s crisis housing service, accepting the presentation of the cheque on Sunday 27 August during the service at the parish of Christ Church was a demonstration of community support and partnership.
“People come to our service every day needing help and their situations can be desperate and often with complex needs. It’s encouraging to know that our work has the support of the community,” says Ms Reay. “Donations like this help provide with the long-term or short term accommodation, emergency food relief and emotional support they desperately need. We’re so thankful to have the support of these parishes.”
Anglicare’s Rental Affordability Snapshot, released in April 2017, showed that rental affordability in Goulburn was limited with young people and single parents virtually locked out of the private rental market.
For more information call Amy Lanham on 6278 8410 or 0437 321 451.
