Albany Creek State High School students have raised funds in support of Carinity Orana’s Sponsor a Bed program to help homeless young people get their lives back on track.
The Sponsor a Bed program provides crisis accommodation for five residents, for an average of six months, at Carinity Orana in Bald Hills for people aged 16 to 21 years who are at the risk of homelessness.
Ainsley Gilbert and Nadia de Gong, members of Albany Creek State High School Student Representative Council, spearheaded the fundraiser in late 2022. They organised a Christmas-themed free dress day and asked for a $2 donation from the students. By the end of the day, they managed to raise $500.
“The support was amazing; we didn’t expect the event to be so large and for so many of our junior school students to participate,” Nadia said.
“We were looking for a charity to support and we saw how Carinity Orana provides for people who are less fortunate, and helps those who are in dire circumstances,” Ainsley said.
“I personally thought for us teenagers who may know young people who need some help sometimes, Carinity is a very helpful organisation to have in our community and to support.”
Carinity Orana Program Manager, Dave McNair, thanked the school students for their generosity in supporting important local community service.
“Many of the young people referred to our service lack the basic items they need to live such as clothing, uniforms, toiletries, linen and access to transport – things we often take for granted. Our service relies on generous donors for support,” Dave said.
Dave said Carinity Orana, established in 1981, helps young people to “transition to independence and a brighter future.”
Youth workers assist young people to access education, training, employment, counselling services, recreational activities, new social networks, and permanent accommodation.
“Young people will often come to Carinity Orana in crisis and we help them to become stable and start to help them to move forward in their lives,” Dave said.
“We walk alongside young people, identifying their unique strengths and resources, and presenting options and choices so they can make informed choices in their life.”
If you wish to sponsor a bed at Carinity Orana visit this online page or phone (07) 3550 3737.
Published 4-April-2023