We are delighted to have been selected as the nominated charity for the 2024 Swan River Half Marathon, to be held on Saturday, 20 April 2024. The support of organisers, Soul Runners and their commitment to raising funds for local charities each year is truly inspiring, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible event.
"The proceeds from the 2024 Swan River Half Marathon will be a massive boost for The Essentials Collective's ability to support our beneficiary partners that provide emergency relief to people in need across Perth and WA," said Sonia Nolan, Chair of The Essentials Collective.
"Many of the organisations we support, including homelessness support services, domestic violence shelters, addiction and mental health support services, as well as kids' and youth outreach services don't receive sufficient external funding for essential items like toiletries and hygiene products. That's where The Essentials Collective comes in to fill the gap and help combat hygiene poverty for the most vulnerable in our community."
One of our beneficiary partners; Rhys Powell, Manager of Community Engagement at Uniting WA’s Tranby Engagement Hub in Northbridge (pictured, centre) shares, “[We] wouldn’t be able to provide the services and meet the need for the 300-350 people we are currently seeing every day if it wasn’t for the in-kind support we receive from our donor partners like The Essentials Collective.”
“The donations received go to rough sleepers, and those at risk of experiencing homelessness, to allow them to have the essential items needed to improve and maintain their personal hygiene. Service users are able to come to Tranby for a warm shower and be provided with soap, body wash, toothpaste/brush, underwear and many more items to allow them to feel fresh and clean.”
The race coincides with the launch of the 2024 Collecting the Basics campaign, sponsored by EEO Specialists. The campaign invites the community to donate new and unused items throughout April and May to help prepare for winter, including socks and underwear, gloves, beanies and scarves, as well as much-needed toiletries such as shampoo and conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, razors, and hairbrushes.
There will be donation boxes* at The Essentials Collective Marquee on the day, so we encourage you to bring along an essential item to donate to the campaign. Your participation, no matter how big or small, plays a vital role.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Soul Runners for choosing to support The Essentials Collective and our mission to make the essentials accessible to all.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need. See you at the starting line! 🏁
*Donation boxes will also be available across the metropolitan area throughout the campaign. Find your nearest donation host here: https://www.theessentialscollective.org/campaign-drop-off-sites