Able2 is more than just a disability service provider. We play an active part in our community and continue to encourage our office and our team to bring forth ideas and suggestions that allow us to stretch our social enterprise footprint. We are driven by our passion to serve our community beyond just business reasons.
Do join us in some of these projects:
Youth Shoebox Project
A project for young people, by young people.
The Youth Shoebox Project, initiated in 2015 by Sue Campbell-Ross (able2) and Jackie Mayers (Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group), has thrived with the support of the Blue Mountains Community. Over the past nine years, nearly 3000 shoeboxes filled with Christmas gifts have been distributed to refugee and asylum-seeking children in Sydney and the Blue Mountains area. The project has received generous contributions from schools, organisations, individuals, and families. These shoeboxes provide joy, love, and relief to children who have faced dislocation and extremely difficult circumstances. Surplus shoeboxes at Christmas are used to serve a warm welcome to refugee families arriving at Sydney Airport.
Each shoebox contains various items, including toys, school supplies, hygiene products, and personalised notes or cards, which are highly cherished by the recipients.
Drop off locations:
GLENBROOK
Foot of The Mountains
11 Ross Street, Glenbrook
SPRINGWOOD
Able2
Unit 6, 7-9, Raymond Rd. Springwood
LAWSON
Rosey Ravelston Books
1 Badgery Cres, Lawson
KATOOMBA
Little, Lost Bookshop
Hapenny Lane, Katoomba Street, Katoomba
Please drop off your box on or before Tuesday 3 December 2024.
Can’t make it to any of the drop off locations?
If you have a box and live outside of these drop off points, or are unable to get to these drop off points, please contact Sue or Jackie to arrange a possible alternative collection method.
Sue: sue@able2.net.au or Jackie: jackie@bmrsg.org.au
In November 2023, able2 staff and their families contributed items for the shoeboxes and we all came together for the BIG WRAP ’24 to make up a staggering 200 shoeboxes to be distributed as part of the Youth Shoebox Project.
Share the Dignity
Able2 staff member, Beth, felt passionate about this project and supported Able2 to become a distribution point for period products for women and girls who need them. We take part in the annual collection drive by having a collection bin at our office in Springwood, and doing everything we can to, not only fill the bin with donations, but also to educate our community to reduce the shame and stigma around periods.
Share the Dignity is a women’s charity in Australia, that works to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough. They distribute period products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support. They assist those in need by collecting hundreds of thousands of period products each year through collection drives and campaigns. These products are distributed directly to charities across Australia. They also work on advocacy by aiming to end period poverty in Australia. They helped to axe the tampon tax in 2018 and are now focused on ensuring all public hospitals offer free sanitary items to those who need them through #paduppublichealth. Share the Dignity are working on ending the shame and stigma around periods through their Period Pride campaign.
If you, or anyone you know, experiences difficulties that prevent them from being able to access period products, they can come to our office in Springwood and we will provide them with the products that they need.
Feast for Freedom
Able2 staff love any excuse to make good food and enjoy a nice meal together, and we also embrace opportunities to support others in our communities who need some help. The Feast for Freedom lunch included staff, their families, clients and other service providers. We raised money and connected with many new friends by bringing a plate of food made from the recipes provided.
