The collaboration between St Pat’s, the City of Fremantle and Fremantle police began in early 2016 and encouraged locals and visitors to drop money into five public collection boxes, which would then be given directly to St Pat’s and its programs.
St Pat’s housing and support service director Victor Crevatin said they were thrilled with the generosity of the Fremantle community in the initiative’s first year, with $11,039 donated as of May 1.
“Our primary concern, of course, in responding to street-present homelessness is that those who are genuinely in greatest need in our community are treated with respect and dignity,” he said.
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READ NOW“The most effective way to address this serious social issue is to provide effective programs and support for homeless people and so we are very grateful to the City for facilitating direct community financial support to this end.
“It is a credit to the community in such difficult economic times and it serves as a reminder of the very special community Fremantle is.
“These funds will enable us to maintain service levels and further improve and expand our services.”
As part of the initiative, the City of Fremantle matched all donations made by the public.
Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said St Pat’s was an invaluable organisation that deserved to be supported by an initiative like Donate Without Doubt.
“It’s a great outcome and every bit of spare change given to the donation boxes directly benefits those in genuine need through the work of St Pat’s,” he said.
“The community’s willingness to give to a worthy initiative like this one shows how strong our sense of community is in Freo and I hope we can continue to make a difference to St Pat’s support services through these regular donations.”
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