Last week Jodie Shepherd from the Breeze and Mandy from Rebel Agency, joined forces to help set up a home for one of the many families, supported by Friends with Dignity. The group is a local non-profit organisation that supports people affected by gender-based violence and domestic abuse.
Each home that is offered to a family in need is fully furnished and ready to move in, so when it comes time to open the front door, the family has everything they need. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and many people, Jodie and Mandy got the opportunity to see firsthand what goes on behind the scenes in furnishing the homes. Along with Emma and Nykisha from LJ Hooker Coomera, they worked with volunteers Mary, Darryl, and Dave from Friends With Dignity to set up the home with furniture, kitchen appliances, whitegoods, linen and put food in the cupboards.
Both the parent and children also receive gifts to help them settle in as many have fled violent situations without belongings.
The homes could not be delivered without the help of people like us, and corporate support. Recently at a fundraising event, a lady was the highest bidder for a fridge in a FWD auction and promptly donated it back to the group to use in one of their homes. It was that fridge that went into this home.
The Breeze is a corporate sponsor of Friends with Dignity and encourages other businesses to offer support to this worthy cause.
The Breeze’s Jodie Shepherd said, “It’s hard to describe what I felt after being a part of that just once. I’ve never wanted to be a fly on the wall more in my life than when the family entered that home. No one knows who they actually are but I hope their hearts are filled with as much joy as mine was by being such a tiny part of this day. I also hope it makes them feel some love and sense of safety.”
Mandy from Rebel Agency says as she walked into the empty house, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of purpose as the team rolled up their sleeves and began moving in all the donated furniture and household belongings that had been delivered and created a beautiful space for every family member.
She said, “Knowing that this home would provide safety, comfort, and a fresh start for this brave family was immensely rewarding. It was a reminder of the power of community and kindness.”
There are so many ways that you can support Friends with Dignity. Find out how you can help here
Friends with Dignity is a registered Charity organisation that is 100% self-funded and currently does not receive ANY government funding. It is run entirely by a passionate and dedicated team of volunteers and an experienced team of professionals, all of whom donate their time, services, and resources. Without support from the Community in general, we simply could not do what we do.
