The Pearls of Port Stephens providing community assistance locally and abroad Port Stephens Port Stephens News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - September 30, 2020 Care Flight Nurse Beccy Gillespie with the newly installed child’s car seat, donated by the Pearls. LOCAL fundraising group The Pearls of Port Stephens have continued to support the community through monetary donations, food and the purchase of clothes during a difficult 2020 and COVID pandemic. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Some of the recent activities the Pearls have supported include the purchase of a child car seat for the Care Flight Transport van which runs a service from Newcastle Airport to John Hunter Hospital. Care Flight Nurse Beccy Gillespie said, “The installation of the car seat will be used for children from birth to eight years old and make their trip to the hospital more comfortable as they will be able to sit up if well enough. “It’s a greatly appreciated donation by the Pearls to Care Flight.” A $1000 donation was also made to Blaze Aid for local distribution after the devastation of unprecedented bushfires. The Pearls also coordinated the purchase of infant food, nappies and bottles which were sent to the port city of Beirut immediately after the horrific blast that took place in August. These goods were purchased locally and sent via air freight in a container, as part of a fast-acting Newcastle based emergency drive orchestrated by a Lebanese restaurant owner in Islington called Downtown Beirut. The goods were distributed by the Red Cross when they arrived. Also purchased locally were pantry supplies, delivered to Got Your Back Sista, a centre which offers help for women and children escaping the trauma of domestic violence. The most recent Pearls donation of $200 was made to The Myall Coast Toy Library, a well deserving volunteer run, not-for-profit organisation offering a wonderful selection of toys from age group 0 to 99 years, for an annual membership fee. After receiving the donation, Toy Library President David Brailey said, “Thank you to the Pearls group for this donation, we really appreciate your support. “The Toy Library is next open on Thursday 1 October & Saturday 17 so pop into the friendly, COVID safe environment at 120 Myall Street, it’s for everyone.” Mother of Pearl (MOP) Kathy Gillespie said, “The Pearls group has proudly donated over $23,000 since 2013, whilst our biggest fundraiser “Buy My Wardrobe” usually held in October, is on hold for now, we will continue to support the community whenever possible.” By The Pearls of Port Stephens Pearls Karin Anseline and (MOP) Kathy Gillespie deliver pantry goods to Got Your Back Sista in Newcastle. Pearls Treasurer Kerry Patterson handing over a cheque to Toy Library President David Brailey.