Shepparton Soroptimists’ Brave Women backpacks ease the burden of homelessness

By Taylah Baker

May 29, 2024

**Shepparton Soroptimist members Helen Jennings, Bernadette Bell, Annette Sleeth, Mary Gilberto and Katrina Mooney, with Beyond Housing intensive case manager Stephanie Holgate (second from right).**

Soroptimist International of Shepparton has been sent packing.

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For their ‘Brave Women’ project, members have been diligently collecting and filling 60 backpacks with essential daily items to support women and girls facing homelessness in the community.

On Monday, May 20, these backpacks were distributed to local organisations, including Salvocare, Beyond Housing and Shepparton South Community Centre, to aid those in need.

Soroptimist International of Shepparton president Katrina Mooney said the initiative had been ongoing for a few years.

However, this year, the cause is even more urgent due to Shepparton’s growing homelessness crisis.

“To be placed in a homeless situation at any time for anyone would be devastating,” she said.

“We can only hope that what we do through the gifting of the backpacks can perhaps ease a little of the trauma these ladies must be suffering.”

The Shepparton Soroptimists wished to thank their donors: SPC Factory Sales, Officeworks Shepparton, Super Variety and Party Cart at Riverside Plaza in Kialla and the lovely ladies who knitted scarves and beanies.

They would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the community for its continued support.