For Janelle Southwell giving back is a passion.
The Woronora Heights woman is the driving force behind Give and Take Families - Sutherland Shire which is an online charity helping women and families.
Mrs Southwell formed the charity after she met Rouse Hill mother Mel Belle who formed the original Give and Take Families after the Blue Mountains bushfires.
Families can receive food, clothing, furniture and even tradesman to help around the house.
Since it was launched two years ago the organisation has helped around 50 women and families many who are fleeing domestic violence or are homeless.
Mrs Southwell said she often used her own money to help people doing it tough.
‘’It’s great to make a difference,’’ she said. ‘’I think the most important thing is to let them know that someone does care.
‘’It lifts them up rather then pulling them down.’’
Give and Take Families - Sutherland Shire will be holding their first fundraising event in August.
The trivia night will be held at The Bridge Restaurant at Woronora on Friday, August 5 from 6:30pm.
Tickets are $85 with all money going towards helping people in need.
For more information or to book email help.giveandtake@outlook.com.
RECORD SPEND IN NSW BUDGET
The NSW Government has announced a record investment in fighting domestic violence as part of the state budget handed down on Tuesday.
The state government will invest more than $300 million over four years up from $148.5 million in the last financial year.
Over the next four years $53 million will go towards the roll out of Safer Pathway which ensures high-risk victims receive a consistent and integrated multi-agency response.
$20 million will also go to the Domestic and Family Violence Innovation Fund for prevention, early intervention and crisis response.
The NSW Government will also invest $2.9 million over four years to introduce GPS monitoring to improve victim safety.
$22 million will be spent over four years for the roll out of Police High Risk Offender Teams.
Other initiatives in the NSW Budget include:
- $43 million over four years for housing supports through Start Safely
- $34 million over four years for the Women’s Domestic Violence and Court Advocacy Program.
- $25 million over four years for Staying Home Leaving Violence.
- $15 million over four years for NGO-led community based perpetrator interventions.
