We understand that COVID has hit everyone differently and you may not be in a position to try and support anyone outside your own family right now.

For those in a position to give, however, charities have never needed it more. 

And with tax time just around the corner, now’s a perfect time to make a donation. 

So we wanted to tell you about some of the local and perhaps lesser-known charities that desperately need your help so that they can continue to help the most vulnerable members of our community.

Sutherland Shire Charities

Dandelion Support Network

Dandelion provides material assistance to vulnerable families. They may be living in housing stress, escaping domestic violence and abuse, living with mental health issues or refugees making a new life for their family. You can donate good quality preloved and new nursery furniture and items for babies and children for families in need. If you’re unsure whether they’ll accept what you are looking to donate, you can actually type a specific search query in their What you can donate page, to get the answer quickly.

 

Orana Projects

Orana Projects covers a range of support services throughout the Sutherland Shire.

These services include counselling, emergency relief, support for people experiencing domestic violence and home visits for parents with new or young babies who have little or no support. Orana also offers a range of low-cost social inclusion groups that cover everything from knitting groups, books clubs and family history classes to tai chi, line dancing and ukulele classes. You can support them by donating or volunteering your time.

 

Sutherland Shire Family Services

Sutherland Shire Family Services offer parenting programs, supported playground and youth programs, help for people experiencing domestic violence and Aboriginal support services. If you have experience in marketing, events or general admin, they welcome volunteers. You can also take part in one of their fundraising challenges or make a donation to support their ongoing good works.

 

Sylvanvale

Sylvanvale work to enable people with a disability to live independently. They offer supported independent living, therapy, childcare and supported playgroups, short term accommodation and a number of community hubs that foster social and lifestyle skills. Make a donation, volunteer, fundraise, or partner with them to ensure they’re able to continue their good works.

 

Kingsway Community Care 

Kingsway Community Care helps vulnerable individuals and families throughout the Sutherland Shire by providing access to household essentials, temporary accommodation, life skills programs and even mentoring for kids. You can support them by shopping at (or donating to) their op-shop, supporting their appeals or starting a fundraiser of your own.

 

Steven Walter Foundation 

The Steven Walter Foundation raises funds to support children who have cancer, and the research that could put an end to it altogether. They also offer affected families respite through the Snowy Hydro Family Program, a program that gives families a weekend away together in Thredbo. You can get involved by donating, fundraising or volunteering.

 

Project Youth

Project Youth are on a mission to end youth homelessness. They support vulnerable young people to find housing and offer training and services to help them gain employment (including at their own Cafe Y). You can show your support by buying from their cafe, volunteering or making a donation. And if you happen to be a business owner they’d love for you to get in touch about helping get more youths into employment.

 

The Pink Elephants Support Network

The Pink Elephants Support Network aims to raise awareness of miscarriage and support women who’ve gone through it. Their peer support program helps connect women who’ve gone through the same difficulties with one another and helpful information, learning and coping resources are also available on their website. To support their work, you can buy from their shop, where there are some sweet gifts for friends who need support available, take part in one of their fundraisers or make a donation.

 

Three Bridges

Three Bridges provide a wide range of services to support young people and new families, aboriginal families, the elderly and people with disabilities. The long list of available services includes home visits for families with a newborn, support workers for the elderly or disabled, before and after school care, vacation programs, youth drop-in centres, yarning circles and training programs. You can support them by volunteering.

 

CIVIC

CIVIC are champions of social inclusion and their services support to empower people with disabilities. They offer supported accommodation, carers and respite for families, counselling, speech and occupational therapy. To help them in their ongoing mission to provide these services you can purchase family meals or buy from their shop, make a donation, partner with them or volunteer.

 

Interrelate

Interrelate specialise in supporting parents and children, and strengthening family relationships. Their selection of programs includes counselling services, student wellbeing programs, groups for parents and carers, and aboriginal services. Keep an eye out for their student competitions and events, make a donation, or contact them if you’re able to help out with volunteering, sponsorships or partnerships.

 

This is only a handful of the many wonderful charities that are in the Sutherland Shire. If there’s something else you are looking for, you can find more here or search the Sutherland Shire Community Directory.