By Mitchell Clarke
An online charity is pleading with the community to stop dumping donations and rubbish at charity bins amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
As bags of donations and rubbish were pictured dumped in front of Pakenham charity bans, online charity GIVIT is calling for the community to donate in a safer and smarter way – online.
GIVIT’s online donation platform allows individuals and businesses across Australia to donate items, services and cash so registered charities can then reserve donations when needed.
To navigate the Covid-19 pandemic, the Cardinia community will need to continue standing together in goodwill and kindness, GIVIT CEO Sarah Tennant said.
“As we saw through the outpouring of well-meaning generosity for bushfire-affected communities, unsolicited donated items create mountains of waste and headaches for charities that are forced to use limited finances and volunteers to sort, store or dispose of the donations,” Ms Tennant said.
“That’s why we’re encouraging people to pledge now and actually exchange the item only when it’s needed in their local area. GIVIT’s online donation platform is a safe and practical way of donating to those most vulnerable and have been hardest hit by this public health emergency.
“With negative economic impacts being felt across the country, we will see a significant increase in people needing assistance over the coming weeks and months – including many who may never have found themselves in such a vulnerable position before.”
The organisation works with more than 3200 support organisations to ensure people get what they need when they need it most.
Right now, vulnerable community members immediately need toiletries, grocery vouchers and home-schooling items, Ms Tennant said.
The GIVIT website removes the need for councils and charities to physically collect, sort and store donations, significantly reducing the administrative and financial burden, as well as saving valuable resources for critical recovery activities.
Details: GIVIT.org.au.
