NORTH Perth resident Ami Price has collected and started distributing gifts to women and children escaping domestic violence.
Miss Price said she was passionate about addressing domestic violence issues, and the rate tended to increase around Christmas as people faced financial hardship.
She said last year she started helping a couple of families by giving them her own childrens’ presents because they “got way too much stuff”.
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READ NOWThis year she put out a call on social media for others to donate new gifts, which she started delivering this week to families she met and those staying at the Patricia Giles Centre refuge in the northern suburbs.
“Due to the dramatic rise in domestic violence over Christmas due to stress, alcohol and money, I had decided to start collecting new children’s and adults gifts to give to women who either in domestic violence relationships or have just left,” she said.
“This is something I’m passionate about due to my own experience and understanding.”
Miss Price said her life was “bright and beautiful” after coming out of two violent relationships.
“One was five years ago and lasted for about six years; the one before him was three years,” she said.
The mother of two said making a plan to leave was key and many women lacked either the finances or self-confidence to leave.
Miss Price said she was looking for more families in need after being “flooded with donations”.
“I put a call out on social media for donations and have been completely overwhelmed by the generosity of complete strangers, especially those in North Perth,” she said.
“I’ve got a massive surplus; I’m really hopeful that I might be able to get in touch with more people.”
To donate or nominate people to receive gifts, email ami.price@live.com.au.
For help, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit www.1800respect.org.au.
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