A helping hand is being extended across the west thanks to the Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN).
The non-profit organisation aims to change the lives of society’s most marginalised and victims of events such as fires and floods.
The initiative brings together the Rotary clubs of Melton Valley, Bacchus Marsh, Sunshine, Wyndham and Yarraville, with assistance from the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust.
Founded by Melton Valley Rotarian Ross Butterworth, the network is working with support agencies to help those in need such as the homeless, refugees, newly arrived migrants and women and children fleeing family violence.
Mr Butterworth said WERN had officially opened its doors after finding a home near West Footscray train station and collecting almost 2000 items of furniture and other goods.
“We are here to help support agencies and welfare agencies who do the hard work on the ground,” he said. “Our job is to support what they do by being a resource to them.”
WERN collects donated furniture, whitegoods, appliances and other household items and relies upon volunteers for help
in roles such as deliveries, sorting and repairs.
The network is based in a former rail maintenance shed at 3 Cross Street, Footscray, which has be donated by VicTrack for the next year.
To get involved or donate goods, contact Ross Butterworth on 0411 228 311 or email butterworth.8@bigpoind.com.
Benjamin Millar
