GAMBIER City Lions Club is helping domestic violence victims get a fresh start in life through the donation of hundreds of dollars of essential items.
The service group recently dropped more than $500 of goods for children and youths affected by family violence at the Mount Gambier-based Centrecare Limestone Coast Domestic Violence facility.
Items included clothing, toiletries, games and sporting equipment.
Centrecare Limestone Coast Domestic Violence service manager Susie Smith welcomed the donation and said it would benefit boys aged up to 18 fleeing dangerous situations with their families.
“We see over 300 women a year and we do have young, adolescent males in here who are the children of the women we see,” she said.
“Women and children who are leaving their house do not have time to pack a bag and come here with nothing.
“It is not safe in the first instance and there is sometimes a trauma involved in returning to the house.
“These items are the extra things that make that trauma dissipate a little.
“Knowing someone cares is really powerful.”
Ms Smith said while the centre received donations and items for female victims of domestic violence, young males were at times not considered by donors.
“We will get items for women and girls, but the young adolescent males really miss out,” she said.
“It is harder to buy for this group, but the pyjamas, toys and personal hygiene goods are items they will really benefit from.
“We are really grateful and appreciate the Lions donation.”
Gambier City Lions Club members Jan Hellyer and Peter Mitchell said the group’s decision to contribute the items was designed to meet the diverse needs of families fleeing domestic violence.
“We like to help people in need and domestic violence is a big issue,” Ms Hellyer said.
“The group decided this is a project we wanted to help and we wanted to provide them with items like jocks, socks and games in lieu of just a cheque.”
The Lions representatives extended thanks to the community for supporting the service group’s endeavours.
