RISE WINTER CLOTHING APPEAL

Winter is fast approaching and we?re all feeling the chill. Unfortunately, many of our members endure the cold winter months without heating or even adequate clothing to keep them warm.? At present there are over 9000 asylum seekers on bridging visas and around 4000 without any work or study rights who are facing financial difficulties. Most must try to make ends meet with a meagre allowance that is less than Newstart, so buying warm clothes is often not a possibility for many. RISE is currently providing support for around 700 asylum seekers and refugees registering our support services each week and most of them are in community detention or asylum seekers who are on bridging visas in need of food and shelter.

That is why, from now till the end of June, RISE is running their first Winter Coat Appeal. We are calling for donations of new (with tags) or near new coats, jackets, jumpers or other winter accessories. We are after men?s, women?s and children?s clothing in all sizes. If you don?t have anything donation worthy, don?t fret! Feel free to donate any amount of money to RISE so we are able to purchase some quality winter wear for our members.

Please follow the link to donate and add a special message with your donation that you?d like it to go to the Coat Drive.
http://www.givenow.com.au/riserefugee

If you?d like to donate clothing items, we welcome drop offs at the RISE Hub during work hours. Otherwise you may post your clothing to:
Attn: RISE Coat Appeal
RISE, Level 1, Ross House
247 Flinders Lane
Melbourne, 3000

Your donation will ensure somebody who may be unable to afford warm clothing won?t have to stay cold this winter.

Note: RISE appreciates all donations given. However, it is important to remember that although we work with members who are in vulnerable situations, this does not mean they are less deserving of good, quality items. Therefore, we ask that you respect the dignity of our members and please donate only clothes in new or NEAR new condition. We will be unable to accept clothes that appear very worn or dirty.