It was an absolute pleasure to present an $80,000 grant to South Perth-based home and aged care service Southcare so they can help continue their essential work of providing emergency relief.

The funds have been provided by Lotterywest, and will be used to provide food vouchers, clothing and household goods, rent arrears and utility payments for people who find themselves in immediate crises. 

The cash boost provides welcome relief for residents who rely on some form of government welfare as their main income and at a time when requests for support were at record highs. 

It is not uncommon for scores of people to be lined up for support at Southcare.

This year, the team celebrates 40 years of helping people. Their emergency relief service is available every day, subject to staff and volunteer availability and no appointment is required.   

I’ve had the privilege to see first-hand the good work they do in the community so if you want to consider volunteering in emergency relief, their op shop, administration or by donating, it will be of great value to the team there. 

You can find out more on their website: www.southcare.org.au