Media release (Victoria):
Centrelink spreading the Christmas cheer
Thursday, 9 Decemebr 2010
Staff at Centrelink’s Moorabbin Call Centre have embraced the Christmas spirit, donating gifts and raising money in support of the ACHA program run by local organisation Bunurong Community Care.
Centrelink Social Worker, Faye Dennehy, said staff at the call centre decided to support Bunurong Community Care after learning that it relies mostly on public donations.
"The nature of our work shows us that homelessness can affect anybody at any time – the ageing population is particularly vulnerable," Faye said.
"Staff have used this Christmas period to reflect on what they can do to support the local community’s most vulnerable.
"The ACHA program is designed to help frail, low-income older people who are renting, in insecure housing or who are homeless, to remain in the community. Bunurong Community Care works to support people living with a disability and the frail aged, and they manage the ACHA program for the Bayside, Kingston and Dandenong areas – areas where many of the staff live."
Faye said the response from call centre staff had been fantastic, with teams organising events and raffles to raise money, as well as donating gifts and everyday household items – some teams even chose to donate the money they would have been spending on their office Kris Kringle presents.
"All up we’ve been able to raise $1260, in addition to the many donations of household items and gifts which have been piling up under the Christmas tree," Faye said.
"We have used the money raised to purchase items such as socks, slippers and public transport tickets, as well as more expensive items like blankets and soft furnishings – we know that these donations can be used by in the months after Christmas.
"Staff at Moorabbin Call Centre felt very passionate about this cause and who they were donating to, and it shows in the quality of donations made and the contribution made by each individual.
"It is rewarding to know that our efforts go some way to making sure those that are less fortunate feel included this Christmas."
Anyone seeking support or who needs information about Australian Government services for the homeless should contact their nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre, or call Centrelink Social Work Services on 13 1794.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.