MELVILLE Primary School has secured more than 1000 donations for the homeless in its ‘Melville on a Mission’ winter appeal.

Throughout June, sleeping bags, underwear, toiletries, warm socks and clothing were collected by pupils and parents at the school.

They were given to St Patricks Community Support Centre, which helps the homeless and most vulnerable in Greater Fremantle.

“This campaign has shown me when one person steps forward the whole community joins in – that’s comforting to know when help is needed within our homeless community,” proud Melville parent and organiser Tina Bill says.

With about 200 people experiencing homeless on any given night in the Melville and Fremantle areas, St Patrick’s CEO Michael Piu says the donations will help the homeless cope with the recent stormy weather.

“We are incredibly fortunate, to live amongst a community of people who genuinely care about the more vulnerable in our society,” he says.

“To all those at Melville Primary who have played some part in this charitable act, we say a huge and sincere thanks.”

Principal Betty McNeill says the school is actively involved in the community.

“The Melville on a Mission campaign to assist St Pat’s looking after the homeless, is yet another example of how our school community looks beyond themselves to support others,” she says.

Last month St Pat’s launched its Winter Appeal at its Day Centre in Fremantle.

“Each year we give out hundreds of sleeping bags, and specially designed backpacks for people on the streets, while specialist case workers support people into more long term housing solutions,” Mr Piu says. 

“Winter is one of our busiest times of the year – The demand tends to increase over this period and this can be result of people being more susceptible to illness particularly those sleeping rough, couch surfing and/or living in cars. We also see an increase more generally from people on low incomes that live in poorly heated housing who struggle to keep up with everyday living costs.” 

To make a tax-deductible donation to the Winter Appeal go to drct-st-patricks.prod.supporterhub. net/donations/winterappeal