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In a bid to “keep the spirit of Christmas” alive among West Australian families, the state’s real estate industry has come together and thrown its weight behind a donation drive.
The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) shared that 57 of its member agencies have offered up their offices to serve as collection points for the Christmas Appeal initiative launched by The Salvation Army.
Starting 12 December, new, unwrapped gifts and other non-perishable food items can be dropped off at designated agency offices located across the metropolitan area as well as in Albany, Dunsborough, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie.
In addition to member agencies’ offices, REIWA’s head office at 215 Hay Street Subiaco will also accept donations.
At the end of the drive, collected donations will be delivered to The Salvation Army in time for their clients to choose gifts for their loved ones.
According to the institute, the initiative comes at a time when high inflation has led to one in seven families struggling to buy basics like food and fuel.
REIWA chief executive Cath Hart said Christmas could be a “challenging time for families”, particularly with increased cost-of-living pressures.
“About 14,000 West Australian families asked The Salvation Army for help during Christmas last year.
“[With] rental vacancy rates at record lows, homelessness rates increasing, and families struggling with cost-of-living pressures, The Salvation Army is expecting that to increase to about 20,000 requests this year,” Ms Hart said.
According to the international charitable organisation, the donation drive aims to give a hand to families that are finding that “just getting by” is getting further out of reach, with the most vulnerable ones exposed to the threat of homelessness.
The Salvation Army spokesperson Warren Palmer revealed that every Christmas, the organisation has witnessed the acute needs being faced by Australians doing it tough.
“Our hope at Christmas is for no one to have to do it alone,” he remarked.
Mr Palmer shared that their decade-long partnership with REIWA, particularly with the institute’s Community REInvest program, has helped The Salvation Army to provide “thousands of thousands of gifts to families and individuals in need at Christmas”.
Established in 2013, Community REInvest is a philanthropic program facilitated by REIWA. Through the initiative, member real estate agents identify opportunities to invest back into the community, mobilise resources and provide support to those who need it most, particularly those experiencing homelessness.
“What is undeniable is that through a small act of kindness, like contributing a gift to the Salvos’ Christmas Appeal, you can bring the true meaning of hope and joy to someone in need this Christmas,” Mr Palmer stated.
Ms Hart urged everyone to “think beyond themselves” this holiday season and called for support for the cause.
“Whether that’s buying a gift voucher for a teenager to unwrap on Christmas Day, going through your pantry for non-perishable items you can donate, raiding your present cupboard for new toys or gifts for young children to receive — The Salvation Army and thousands of Perth children and families will be so grateful for any assistance you can provide,” she remarked.
“The best-case scenario this year is that The Salvation Army is inundated with gifts and donations, and no one has to go without this Christmas — let’s make that our aim and make some wishes come true for those who need it most.”
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