IN delivering her account of life at Pete’s Place, as guest speaker at Coffs Harbour Lions Club’s recent meeting, manager Anna Scott’s tale stirred the listeners to want to help.

Pete’s Place is the drop-in centre for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, located within Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre.

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“Anna’s address moved us greatly and prompted many questions, not the least of which was ‘How can we help?’,” Lion Rosemary Hansen told News Of The Area.

The answer was by donating everyday, daily-use items.

Armed with this knowledge, Rosemary sprang into action to organise the Coffs Harbour Lions Club, Urunga Lions and Orara Valley Lions to call out for, and collect, donated goods such as daily requirements like toiletries, coffee mugs, clothing, underwear, socks, nappies and wipes for babies, blankets, sleeping bags and jumpers as we come into the winter months.

“The collection was a roaring success with many donated goods coming from many sources,” she said.

“The collection was delivered to Pete’s Place on Tuesday 2 May and was gratefully received.”

The Lions Club has been supporting Pete’s Place with regular food donations over time and this latest effort addresses one of the other issues facing the clientele, that being the difficulty to afford the many necessities of life.

Anna Scott, Manager, North Coast – Housing and Homelessness Services, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, for Pete’s Place, told NOTA, “Donations like these allow us to keep doing the work we do.

“With new people accessing the service each day our resources are often stretched.

“Having the Lions Club provide essentials is incredibly appreciated.

“They continue to amaze us with their generosity, not only today but weekly when they bring in healthy home cooked meals.”

Pete’s Place is currently looking for volunteers to assist with the practical operations of the hub.

“If anyone would like to find out more about this, or what other supplies we currently need, please drop in between 8.30-1.30 Monday to Friday.”

Please email Stacey.Rau@vinnies.org.au or call 0438 931 201.

“The plight of the many homeless and needy cannot be overstated particularly in Coffs Harbour and surrounds,” said Rosemary.

“These comforts will hopefully go some way to making life easier for those who need them.”

On behalf of the local Lions Clubs, Rosemary wishes to thank everyone who donated to this great cause.

“It is always good to be able to give.

“Lions, we serve,” she closed.

By Andrea FERRARI