Friends of the EMC Summer Newsletter

Christmas - a time to give

As it’s December, EMC staff and guests are of course preparing for Christmas and the annual guest Christmas lunch.

It’s an EMC tradition that all guests receive a $20 gift voucher as a present and this tradition is highly valued by our guests.

If you are able to donate a gift voucher, please drop them into the EMC between 9am and 2pm on weekdays, or 9am and 1pm on the weekend.

Our preferred cards are the Woolworths Wish Cards or the Coles Group/Myer Cards as they are redeemable at a great range of shops and our guests enjoy using them, especially at the sales after Christmas.

Canberra Homeless Connect

Spring has been very busy for the staff, guests and volunteers at the EMC.

On Thursday 19 October, during Anti-Poverty Week, we hosted Canberra Homeless Connect.

There were stalls and representatives from over 30 local community and government organisations, ranging from Centrelink and pet care, to clothing and alcohol and drug counselling and haircuts.

The weather was perfect so the Plaza was busy as well with a BBQ organised by Helping ACT, with food provided by CHC, and other food provided by Vinnies Night Patrol.

The event was opened by ACT Deputy Chief Minister, Yvette Berry. Minister for Homelessness, Rebecca Vassarotti, and Elizabeth Lee, ACT Leader of the Opposition, also spoke. About 150 guests enjoyed access to many services all in one place. Haircuts were a particular favourite.

In the lead-up to Canberra Homeless Connect, ABC breakfast radio 666 conducted a series of interviews over two weeks with some key EMC supporters, including two of our youngest, known as Miss Seven and Mr Nine (click here to listen), and a volunteer, Nicholas Villiers. Mohammed Ali from Helping ACT often speaks on 666 and is another great supporter of the EMC.

It’s very encouraging to see the continuing support - both financial and in-kind - that the EMC receives from many local businesses, service groups, faith groups and generous individuals.

Launch of our EMC video

On Sunday, 22 October a video showcasing the work and services of the EMC was launched at the morning service at Canberra City Uniting Church.

Following the service, we held a Picnic in the Plaza which was attended by guests from the EMC who enjoyed the opportunity to share food and chat with church members and other EMC supporters.

Special Events

As well as providing many regular services for guests, the EMC often has special lunches, weekend breakfasts and BBQ dinners provided by community groups such as Helping ACT, Hope Christian Church and Humanity First Australia.

During Spring we also held morning teas for R U OK? Day, World Homeless Day and, of course, Canberra Homeless Connect was held during Anti-Poverty Week.

We continue to host monthly the Pets in the Park vet clinics, providing free veterinary services for pets belonging to people experiencing homelessness. This is always very popular, with a record number of 32 dogs and 3 cats attending the November clinic.

Thanks to our spring supporters

Our thanks go to the following spring supporters for their generous donations:

• CHC for BBQ food and drinks;

• Brothers Across Nigeria Melville Frigate for clothes and essential items;

• Share the Dignity for donated items for our Christmas party;

• Mr 10 (previously Mr 9) for regular donations of emergency food packs;

• Miss 7 for donations of food including yummy treats;

• Mobilise for free clothing;

• Grill’d Belconnen for its Local Matters program; and

• Yarralumla Uniting Church for food donations.

A big thank you to all our donors and supporters. For a full list of all our regular sponsors and supporters, many of whom have been involved with the EMC for years, please visit our website. Our warm thanks go to all of them as well.

Representative from Brothers Across Nigeria Melville Frigate dropping off their donation

Christmas greetings

Finally, to all our staff, guests, volunteers and Friends, we thank you for your ongoing support and wish you a happy Christmas and a safe and restful holiday season.

The Early Morning Centre is an activity of the Canberra City Uniting Church, with assistance from the ACT Government and the Commonwealth Government under the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement.

We acknowledge the way the traditional owners have cared for this land from time immemorial and commit ourselves to building more just ways of living together with the First Peoples of this land.