Special event sees volunteers donate care packages to homeless

Volunteers at Western Sydney University continued the University's commitment to social justice by spending Sunday 24 July packing hampers in preparation for Western Sydney Homeless Connect.

For more than three hours, 30 volunteers worked tirelessly in the historic Female Orphan School, assembling 500 personal care kits from 3,500 items donated by staff, students and community members

Dr Stacy Blythe, Director Engagement & International from the School of Nursing and Midwifery said the day was a demonstration of the University's commitment to the community.

"The fantastic work by the volunteers on Sunday demonstrated a living illustration of the mission and values of Western Sydney University," Dr Blythe said.

The Homeless Connect is an annual event run in western Sydney to connect the local homeless community with government and community services, medical providers, social workers and to raise awareness of homelessness in the wider community.

The personal care kits are a way of promoting care and self-value and are aimed at helping to address a key social issue in western Sydney.

University Students and staff from the School of Nursing and Midwifery will be participating in the Homeless Connect day by providing general health checks to patrons.

The Western Sydney Homeless Connect day will be held at Parramatta Town Hall on 8 August as part of Homeless Awareness Week.

Ends

29 July 2016

Elliott Richardson - Media Assistant