Michelle was helped by sister-in-law Kerri Bordignon, Nicole Plum and her son Levi. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
A huge charity initiative in Griffith on Saturday where people could fill a garbage bag full of donated household items and clothing could become a monthly event.
Perennial volunteer Michelle Bordignon and her army of helpers gathered the items and organised them at the site of the old Griffith Neighbourhood House building on Benerembah Street, where dozens of people came and cleared most of the stock within hours.
“I normally have one or two of these a year but it now looks like I’ll have to do this every month,” Ms Bordignon said.
“As the cost of living rises, there are more people than ever in need of help.”
The concept is simple. People donate items they no longer need to Ms Bordignon’s registered charity, Griffith Helping Hands. She displays the items at the site and customers pay $5 for a bag or box, which they can fill up with anything they want.
“We ask for things in good condition. Clothing should be clean, folded with a label that has the size on it. Bedding is hard with all the different sizes, king, queen and single – if you can write on it what it is that will help me out,” she said.
Michelle does extensive charity work in Griffith. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
The money raised is placed into an emergency fund which is used to buy nappies and other new products for families in desperate need.
Ms Bordignon has always done extensive charity work, especially since she lost her daughter Stella to suicide in 2019. Griffith Helping Hands mostly provides furniture to those in need.
“I get call-outs from families who have been sleeping in their car who might get a unit but not have furniture. I get donations for people and bring what they need,” she said.
“This is my eighth year. I thought I was really busy last year but this year I’m much busier. I had a break for Christmas and started again in February. By 6 March I’d moved on 30 beds. Normally I don’t get to that number by winter.”
On Saturday she was helped by an army of volunteers, including sister-in-law Kerri Bordignon, Liz Purtell, Nicole Plum and her son Levi.
Ms Bordignon is calling for more help from the community.
“I really need a bigger shed, if someone can help me out. The one we are using is great, but it’s not wide enough to get people to help me sort through things. I need something wider to be able to put the tables in the middle,” she said.
One’s trash is another’s treasure. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
She says donating items is not difficult.
“We all have a house full of stuff. Especially people whose kids have grown up, there’s a lot they don’t need. In my house, we’ve given away all the beds except the one we sleep on. We didn’t need the other beds in my house, other people did, so I gave them away,” she said.
“I think the amount I’ve saved from landfill would be incredible.”
Ms Bordignon works at this charity almost every afternoon following her regular job, transporting furniture in her van.
“I get people to contact me and items are dropped off at my home. I have a van thanks to my friend the late Gwen Beaton, who organised a GoFundMe so I could buy it. It’s like a mobile storage unit. Everyone is shocked by how much we can fit in it.”
If you can help out in any way, get in touch with Ms Bordignon through her website Griffith Helping Hands.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
