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 these community projects as they are making significant social impacts.
Youth Shoebox Project
The Youth Shoebox Project was started in 2015 by Sue Campbell- Ross and Jackie Mayers from the Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group. The project has thrived and grown over the past seven years thanks to the generosity and support of the Blue Mountains Community. Over these years, thanks to the fantastic help of Blue Mountains schools, organisations, individuals and families we have distributed almost 2000 shoeboxes of Christmas gifts to children seeking refuge and asylum, here in Sydney and the Mountains area.
“It has been gratifying to see how our community has rallied around each year to donate time, money, and skills to this project. The end reward is knowing that so many children whose lives have been incredibly hard will feel joy and love at Christmas.” Jackie Mayers.
With the Youth Shoebox Project, we have seen what a huge difference the boxes can make to the
lives of both giver and receiver. The boxes do an enormous amount to counteract the hardship and isolation that many families have faced through lockdown. Our shoeboxes will also be a caring welcome the many families fleeing Afghanistan in 2021 to Australia.
Each shoebox contains something to love; something to play with; something for school; something for personal hygiene; something special and other age-suitable items. Every year the most valued item in the boxes is the personal note of welcome, or card from the person making the box.
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.
