Funding and grant money are tight following Covid 19 lockdown, and sometimes no matter how much great work your organisation does your funding application will be turned down. The Heretaunga Women’s Centre finds herself in that very situation. The centre applied for a grant to buy and install a washing machine earlier this year and have just found out that unfortunately our application has been unsuccessful.
The centre has never had a washing machine before but over this last year we have noticed an increasing need for one. We know that women experiencing a crisis event and who have suddenly had to leave their usual accommodation or who are experiencing long term homelessness are sometimes unable to access a washing machine, sadly these situations are something we deal with at the centre more and more frequently.
The other reason the washing machine will be invaluable is we are often donated clothing for women in need, and sometimes the clothes, though perfectly good, have become a little musty – a washing machine means we could wash and freshen these clothes up. It would be of huge benefit for woman in our community, who find they are need of help to know there is a free place to wash clothes every day of the week – no questions asked.
Currently we are relying on the generosity and kind-hearted nature of our staff and volunteers to do all Centre washing at home.
We are hoping that a business or generous individual may be able to donate a new front loading washing machine to the centre. We need a front loader as there is very limited space in the centre, and the machine will need to be installed in a cupboard.
If you cannot donate a washing machine perhaps you would like to help towards the plumbing and installation costs?
If you would like to help: please deposit your donation directly into our bank account 03-0642-0730099-00 with the reference ”Washing M”
For more information please contact Amanda Meynell manager@hwc.nz