GIVIT donation of the week: Art supplies
A Canberra-based organisation has been supporting young people through COVID-19 and beyond to help them find their way out of mental and physical challenges. One young person who is being supported through this outreach program is living at risk of homelessness and is currently embarking on a recovery program to break the cycle of unhealthy behaviour. They have a deep love for creative arts and having access to supplies at home would give them the opportunity to build on this passion and create new lasting habits and behaviours. The organisation is looking for acrylic paints, brushes and canvas on behalf of their client. Any art supplies in good condition that can be passed on to this deserving recipient would be greatly appreciated. Delivery options: Items can be picked up by the charity. To donate, visit givit.org.au/items-needed, search ‘art supplies’ and select requests located in ACT. After you pledge the item, you will be contacted by the relevant charity to arrange pick-up, post or drop-off. GIVIT supports over 300 charities across the Capital Region by matching your quality, pre-loved items with people who need them most.
Heat the Homeless
Anaconda Gungahlin and Fyshwick stores are partnering with Australian snow brand XTM Performance for the fifth consecutive Heat the Homeless appeal. Anaconda stores nationwide will provide a drop-off donation point for pre-loved jackets, which will be distributed to those in need by a range of charitable organisations. Along with jackets, other acceptable items for donation include ski pants and fleece jumpers. All items are required to be in a clean and good condition; as a general rule, if you wouldn’t wear it, please don’t give it.
Charity stall
Relay for Life team, the Bold Bandannas, will hold a charity stall at the Belconnen Markets on the weekend of 18-19 July 8am-5pm. There will be beanies and scarves; homemade preserves, pickles, chutney, lemon butter, sugar-reduced preserves; a range of handsewn items, including children’s dress-up clothes, handknitted dolls’ clothes, crocheted handtowels, and knitted coathangers; plants and worm juice for your plants. They are also the sole seller of children’s book Who Took the Egg?. More info: call Jan on 6231 0761.
Learn language
Did you know that speaking two or more languages improves your cognitive abilities? One more reason to learn Italian with the Dante Alighieri Society of Canberra! Term 3 starts on 20 July. More info: visit danteact.org.au, email [email protected] or call the office on 6247 1884.
Community grants
Not-for-profit community organisations are encouraged to apply for a 2020 Australia Post Community Grant, with up to $10,000 available to each recipient. This year, the initiative reflects Australia Post’s commitment and focus on mental health, with an emphasis on supporting projects that help improve connection and mental wellbeing in local communities. Applications close 17 July and all applicants will be notified of the outcome in October. More info: auspost.com.au/grants
Walking groups
Many Heart Foundation Walking groups across the country resumed from 20 June. To locate a group in your area, visit the Heart Foundation Walking website, click the ‘Find a Group Near You’ button, and enter your postcode. This will show you all nearby groups, along with information such as when and where a group meets. You will also find contact details for each group’s Walk Organiser, who can give you more details and help you sign up. More info: walking.heartfoundation.org.au/walking
Free online pelvic floor workshops
Women of all ages are invited to attend a free online workshop on Tuesday 4 August 2-4pm presented by a physiotherapist from Canberra Health Services. This workshop is targeted to women who are experiencing continence or pelvic floor concerns as well as those who are wishing to prevent them. It will provide education and practical self-help strategies that may be implemented straight away, all in the comfort of your own home. The workshop will cover issues relating to pelvic floor muscles; bladder and bowel control/incontinence; bladder and bowel prolapse; and concerns pre/post gynaecological surgery. Bookings are essential. Please contact the Community Heath Intake Team on 5124 9977 so an individual email with the online link can be sent to you.
Textile recycling
Aussie households can now have their unwanted old clothes, shoes and textiles picked up from home – at a desired time convenient to them – to be recycled. The streamlined self-service digital textile collection service has been launched by parcel delivery service, CouriersPlease, and sustainable sock company, Manrags. To book a textile collection service, consumers ‘purchase’ their collection on the Manrags website, manrags.com.au, for $25, which allows for up to 10kg of unwanted textiles to be picked up from their home.
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