Janet McArtney
We recently sat down with Janet McArtney from Soroptimist International of Albany Inc, an inspiring group of women dedicated to supporting women and children particularly in local causes. If you are in the Great Southern, you may have of heard of their incredible drive for Albany Women’s Centre Kare Kits, designed to help women and children escaping family and domestic violence, made available when they arrive at the refuge. These kits are made up of essential items that many of us often take for granted - shampoo, a fresh pair of clothes or even a toothbrush. With many leaving the family home with nothing but the clothes on their back, being able to receive the token of some basic necessities can mean the world.
‘They gave us back our dignity’. Those are the words of a little boy who received his own Kare Kit after he spent time at a refuge with his mum and older brother. He was only 8 at the time and wise beyond his years. He wasn’t from an underprivileged background and his situation is a clear example that domestic violence does not know socio economic barriers. It does not discriminate.
The Soroptimists motto is clear – local women helping local women – and their passion is evident. Janet talks us through what is involved in all things Kare Kits.
Tell us about the Albany Soroptimists
The group size is about 20 ladies who are all instrumental in their support of the Albany community. Together, we have been involved in many projects including the organising of the Purple Bench project for Domestic Violence, providing homemade soup for the Breakfast in the Park initiative, donating artwork to the local Hospice, a prize for women’s achievement at TAFE, recently Sensory Kits for the elderly and so much more.
We take a very ‘hands on’ approach to the local community and while we sometimes provide financial support for initiatives, we also like to be personally involved in the projects. For instance, with the Breakfast in the Park scheme, we put a call out to the Albany community for donations of vegetables. Several members of the group are involved in coordinating, advertising, collection and cooking of the donated goods. We have also donated money for material and help sew for the Days for Girls project, which provides reusable sanitary products to girls and women in third world countries.
One of your biggest projects would have to be the Albany Women’s Centre Kare Kits – how did you become involved?
Initially and idea from another non- Albany organisation but needed to be localised to suit our local needs. Although I’ve never personally experienced what so many of these women and children have, I felt it was such an important and worthwhile cause and became determined to throw whatever we could behind it.
We are partnered with Anglicare to support the work of the Albany Women’s Centre which provides support for those faced with trying times when escaping family or domestic violence. They offer refuge, emergency accommodation and help get families back on their feet whilst keeping them safe.
What does each kit provide?
The kits give the opportunity to provide essentials to women and children who may not even have just the basics. The donations from this drive can also provide women with the means to help them get set up in a safer place, including vouchers for Kmart and Target, food vouchers for Coles and services such as organising for their car to be maintained to help keep the family mobile. There are also packs for the children, which can include school back packs and drink bottles.
Donations make up a lot of the kits. Members of the Soroptimist group are responsible for organising drop off locations, collecting donations and assisting with the sorting of donations at the centre. Soroptimists even have 2 members who sort weekly the all year around any donations given to Albany Women’s Centre.
What challenges have you faced?
Surprisingly, the challenges have been minor and that just shows the passion and determination of each volunteer. Every single person involved receives nothing in return – their involvement is completely on a voluntary basis and they work together to make the drive as successful as it because it is important to them.
We faced the typical COVID-19 barriers such as having to hold our drive later in the year, but even on that front we have been able to go ahead and still have an involvement this year. This in itself feels like a great achievement as domestic violence doesn’t stop for anyone, in fact it can be worsened with so many people at home. The numbers in those seeking assistance this year has increased, attributed largely to the fact so many couldn’t work and were spending more time at home in confronting situations.
What can people do to get involved with the drive?
Donations are heavily relied on to make this happen. There are several different options that people can choose to take including cash donations or donations of essential items. These donations can be made all year round not just during the campaign and cash donations are tax deductible. Cash donations enable the purchase of items needed for those seeking assistance or to help them set themselves up with essential purchases.
Last year, one forward thinking business even came up with the innovative idea to sell their carpet samples and to donate the profit to the cause which was a great success. There are also several local chemists who donate excess stock to the cause which we then use to make kits or for fundraising ventures.
During the donation drive, we are lucky enough to have many location businesses acting as collection points for members of the community to drop off items. Some businesses also support it in house, by getting their staff to donate vouchers and items. All items must be new and we have a list of items that can be donated on our Facebook page.
After being delayed due to COVID-19, the Albany Women’s Centre Kare Kits project is running again this year throughout August until 18 September. To donate to the many Collection Points this year or become a Collection Point next year, please contact Janet McArtney on 0401 203 557. More information about the project www.facebook.com/AlbanyWomensCentreKareKits/
To donate money (tax deductible receipt will be emailed) https://karekits.raisely.com/
For more information about Albany Soroptimists www.facebook.com/SIAlbany/
