Uniting Care Kapunda volunteers Sue Burnes (left) and Bronwynne Gough are calling on the communityto help them continue providing vital services for disadvantaged people in the region. PHOTO: Jesse Neill
JESSE NEILL
UNITING Care Kapunda is calling for donations after a change in financial circumstances has left it without funding.
The not-for-profit organisation provides a range of support services for disadvantaged members of the community to help foster independent living skills and improve their livelihood.
Uniting Care Kapunda member and emergency relief co-ordinator Sue Burnes said the only way they can feasibly continue is through the generosity of individuals, churches, service clubs and businesses in the region.
“We’re sending out an appeal to as many people as we can to try and raise funds,” Ms Burnes said.
“We don’t want to close the doors, but we haven’t got the funding required to help vulnerable people in our community.”
Uniting Care Kapunda offers community services free of charge including material relief for people in crisis, Christmas hampers, no interest loans, computer access and training, and financial counselling.
Ms Burnes said the organisation is about taking care of the most vulnerable members of the community and helping point them in the right direction.
“We teach people to stand on their own two feet again,” she said.
“Sometimes they just need a helping hand, and sometimes they need physical help and material items like food and blankets.
“We provide them with the resources we have and put them in touch with other agencies that can help.”
The organisation estimates the total funds needed will be $12,000 to provide services for an entire year.
Donations of cash, food, clothing and blankets will all be greatly appreciated.
Uniting Care Kapunda volunteer Bronwynne Gough has been with the organisation since its inception and said they cannot continue without this community support.
“Having been with the organisation for 10 years, I can say that these services are needed more now than ever before,” she said.
“A lot of people aren’t aware that we have homeless people in Kapunda or vulnerable members in our towns because it’s not as obvious as it is in the city…but it is real and we need your help.”
Sponsorship services will also help to facilitate ongoing services and any donation above $2 is tax deductible.
Kapunda Uniting Church is located on Church Street at the end of Main Street and can be contacted on 8522 4522.
