Local business Total Uniforms donates winter jackets to Chrysalis House Women’s Refuge at Desert Blue Connect

A Geraldton business has donated boxes of high-quality jackets to a women’s refuge for people in need of warm clothing during winter.

It’s a kind donation that Total Uniforms has made to Chrysalis House Women’s Refuge for the second year in a row.

The refuge is a support service for women and children escaping family violence in need of safe place to go, and offers supported accommodation facilitated through Desert Blue Connect.

Total Uniforms plans to continue its yearly donation for years to come.

Chrysalis House Women’s Refuge manager Meegan Taylor said the donation included two large boxes of brand new, high-quality warm jackets to give to clients, and the donation would go a long way for someone in need.

“When we have a client come into the refuge, often they don’t bring a lot. Often they only have the clothes on their back or a small bag because they’ve escaped a crisis,” she said.

“We identify that they don’t have warm clothes and when we give them a jacket they are very thankful. We are very grateful for people in the community like (Total Uniforms’) Nick (Knight) for their ongoing support to us.”

The refuge has run in Geraldton for 40 years, and sleeps up to 16 women and children. Ms Taylor said the refuge was currently running at maximum capacity, and there was a constant need for services in the community.

“We often get more calls from women than we can accommodate,” she said.

Total Uniforms business development manager Nick Knight said the donation was a part of supporting the community and although it was a small cost to the business, it was an opportunity to give back to those in need.

“I heard Meegan (on radio) last year speaking in regards to the work they do in the women’s refuge and how the women can struggle in winter,” he said.

“We are always happy to give back and we will keep supporting the refuge every 12 months.”

Mr Knight said he thought it would mean a lot to the women who seek out the refuge, and also the staff who supported them.

“It’s one of those charities who possibly get missed a bit,” he said.