MEDIA ALERT
Harvey Norman Springvale’s Merry Mission for Windermere Thanks to the foresight and motivation of a caring and dedicated Harvey Norman Springvale employee Windermere’s Merry Mission will receive a large injection of gifts for 2013. Harvey Norman Springvale employee Rhiannon knows what it’s like to struggle financially, a victim of domestic violence and on the brink of homelessness, Rhiannon and her mother came to Windermere for help many years ago. She also became a young mum and found herself in need of support. A past individual supporter of Windermere’s Merry Mission, Rhiannon wanted to give back to the local community and give some Christmas cheer, especially to the young children and families who are victims of domestic violence. “I know what it’s like to go without and I promised myself that my children wouldn’t, no kids should”, she said. Rhiannon approached her boss, franchisee Darren Harrison who was only too willing to support his employee and this very worthy cause. “Thousands of people struggle at Christmas time, sometimes it’s the people you least expect. Windermere help these families and children in the local community, and it was the least we, Harvey Norman Springvale, could do to give back and contribute”, he said. Within 48hours of Rhiannon approaching Darren, gifts were pouring in from other Harvey Norman Springvale staff, suppliers and stores within the Springvale Homemaker centre. Windermere are overjoyed by the tremendous support of a national icon. “We are always moved by how individuals and businesses excitedly join our efforts to build a stronger, supported and connected community”, said Windermere CEO, Dr Lynette Buoy. For Rhiannon, she feels it was the least she could do considering how far the young mum has come – two beautiful kids, working full time, a roof over their heads, she couldn’t be happier. “They (people) think this stuff (domestic violence and homelessness) only happens in movies, not in their communities, but it doesn’t it happens to real people, families and children everywhere and Christmas more than anytime is about helping and giving”, she said. For more information about Windermere or the Merry Mission appeal, please contact Windermere on (03) 9705 3200 or email info@windermere.org.au
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About Windermere For over 150 years Windermere has been providing help and resources to people so they can live life to their full potential. Our belief is that for children, families and individuals to find true wellbeing, we need a strong and nurturing community where ‘everyone is someone’. With our head office in Narre Warren and service provision from multiple locations, Windermere is one of the fastest growing independent community service organisations throughout Melbourne’s South-East, and beyond. We offer a wide range of professional services including counselling, housing support, disability services, childcare and more. Many of our services are free. If you wish to know more information please contact Windermere Child and Family Services on (03) 9705 3200 or email info@windermere.org.au About Windermere’s Merry Mission: The annual Windermere Merry Mission is a successful initiative that continues to bring joy and happiness to those in need within our local community. Through cooperative partnerships, Windermere is able to collect toys, gifts, vouchers and hampers for distribution to our clients through our service Case Managers. Each recipient is provided with appropriate gifts as determined by the Case Manager and these parents are then able to choose to given them to their children on behalf of themselves or alternatively by ‘Santa.’ This worthy community program seeks to bring together and engage donors and members of the local community to foster a sense of well-being and support at what can often be one of the most difficult times of the year. The objectives of the 2013 Windermere Merry Mission are to: Maximise Appeal donations through mutually beneficial partnerships that will provide exposure and benefits to donors
Provide a quality Christmas gift for each child client of Windermere and distribute food/personal care hampers to family clients of Windermere
Create a greater awareness of the Windermere brand and donor brands within the local community
Maximise editorial exposure for Windermere and donors for the Appeal
For further media information contact: Maree De George Windermere Child and Family Services Phone: 0414 609 006 maree.degeorge@windermere.org.au www.windermere.org.au
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