Wagga RSL Club makes 'fabulous' donation to Sisters Housing

The Club donated 12 hampers to Sisters Housing Enterprising Inc, a community service provider which offers support to disadvantaged or homeless women and children.

The RSL Club's Renee Asgill said they have been making donations during Christmas for the past three years in response to the need within the community, such as drought and bushfire relief.

"This year we decided to support Sisters Housing- a wonderful organisation providing safe and secure housing and practical support for women and children that are disadvantaged or homeless within our community," Mrs Asgill said.

Club donations, which comprise food items, were accumulated throughout December.

"Throughout December we ask our members to contribute to our food drive and have collection tins located around the Club for any donations," Ms Asgill said.

"We are thankful to have our Members embrace our fundraising efforts and we're pleased to have been able to donate12 food hampers and $500."

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Sisters Housing Enterprising Inc manager Belinda McMahon said the support they have had from the community has been fabulous.

"It was well-received this morning, we had 12 hampers made up which were distributed to our clients today who had quite a surprise," she said.

"They weren't expecting that and there were all sorts of goodies in that.

"We were also able to give out bags this morning which were put together by students at Wagga High, which they were escape bags."

An escape bag is an easily transferable bag comprising of important necessities which have been prepared in case of an emergency in which a woman would need to flee home.

Ms McMahon said about two-thirds of the work they do with their clients is with accommodation services.

"Last month we had about 102 women in our books that we were working with, so two thirds if you do the math's, is more than 60 women who are seeking support from us to try and sort out their issues with housing," she said.

Ms McMahon said the support from the community takes the pressure off the service.

"We would never see anyone go hungry, but these extra things just take that added pressure off," she said.

"We know that during this time of year, mums especially, they're looking to get what their children want for Christmas, they don't like to deny them, so understand why they may stop paying their rent so they can buy their child a toy or something, sometimes they will even go without food."

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