On Monday staff visited Wollongong Homeless Hub to deliver more than 100 items from their fundraising efforts that will be included in more than 150 hampers for local families in need. Hub manager Mandy Booker said it was wonderful to have the Peoplecare staff so eagerly helping the one-stop-shop for homelessness resources for the Illawarra community out again this year. She hoped the donation would encourage other businesses to do the same because the need is so great.

Wollongong Homeless Hub supports people in crises and provides free of charge services.

They includes daily breakfasts, funded homes and access to legal, health and financial related services.  

Ms Booker said the homeless hub is having a lunch at the venue for people it helps this Friday and on Sunday staff at staff at Kneading Ruby are donating their time to shut the doors at the restaurant which will close for a special Christmas lunch for the homeless. 

Peoplecare’s Dale Cairney said everything from toys and chocolates to toiletries were donated by staff in the Young Street office.

He said they wanted to provide essentials as well as some well-deserved treats for all ages.

“Making ongoing tangible contributions to the Illawarra is important to us as we seek to strengthen the local community. Our donation to the Wollongong Homeless Hub is a reflection of our culture of giving that we’ve fostered here at Peoplecare, and it genuinely brings us joy knowing we’re spreading the Christmas cheer to all members of society,”  he said.

Peoplecare has a long culture of giving.

Each year staff are involved in many charitable initiatives supporting organisations such as Mission Australia and Red Cross Blood Bank.

Mr Cairney said as a local business supported by the community it was important to continue to invest in the wellbeing of people in Illawarra.