Following on from this past weekend’s support from rugby league clubs throughout North Queensland, the Townsville Blackhawks Intrust Super Cup club will be throwing their support behind RizeUp.
The RizeUp round this past weekend was held to raise awareness, money and donations to help combat domestic violence.
The not-for-profit organisation helps those who have been affected by domestic or family violence by sourcing donations of furniture and other household items to help victims get their lives back on track.
Hub leader of RizeUp in Townsville, Jaime Firth, said victims benefit from having some normalcy returned to their lives after traumatic situations.
"A lot of the time when they do leave their home and flee from DV they leave with nothing so what we do is pretty much give them something to have again and help them feel empowered," Firth said.
"Our clients are the social workers and the refuges and they come to us and say they've got a family that has just fled domestic violence and that they're helping to find homing for, then we help with the furniture.
"We definitely help men, women, children, anyone that has been in this situation."
The RizeUp Round helps to raise awareness of the organisation's work within the community, and helps to keep donations flowing according to Firth.
"All of our donations at this time of year come from the community," she said.
"Football is such a big part of the community and having the RizeUp Round just really allows people to come in and donate stuff, if they've got anything brand new or second hand that they want to give away, it's just a good opportunity.”
In great news; Firth said the organisation had already completed one home in the Townville area, but were needing donations to complete others.
“We really want to build up our donation and volunteer base for another property,” Firth said.
“Our motto is if you would use it in your home, then these are the items we need.
“We want to provide families good quality items, so they can be proud of the home they live it,”
“It’s especially important for kids and teenagers as well.”
The Townsville Blackhawks will have a collection point where items can be delivered at their final home game of the season this Saturday (August 11). Supporters can also drop items into the Blackhawks office, located at Brothers Leagues Club, prior to this.
>> You can learn more about RizeUp on their Facebook page, and if you want to volunteer or donate, you can email volunteer@rizeup.com.au or donate@rizeup.com.au.
