By Justin Flynn
Three local teenagers are helping to make a difference to Geelong’s homeless problem.
Bellarine Secondary College VCAL students Tahnee Shanley, Charisma Boothroyd and Jack Havis were initially given a school assignment to engage in a community connection.
They decided to focus on Geelong’s homeless, particularly women.
“It took a while to get started and we looked at sending products overseas, but then realised that there are a lot of people here that need help,” Tahnee, 17, from Clifton Springs, said.
The trio has been receiving donations of second-hand items that can be passed on to homeless women.
Since going viral on social media the teens have been swamped with donations and well-wishers.
“Since we put it on social media, the amount of support we have received has been amazing,” Tahnee said.
The students have teamed up with Share the Dignity, a charity that supports homeless women.
Share The Dignity is an organisation that collects and distributes handbags full of personal hygiene products to homeless women in the community.
They have a back room almost filled with handbags and other items that can be passed on to the regions’ homeless women.
“You know you’re helping people who really need it,” Charisma, 18, from Portarlington, said.
“We wanted to help give them some things that we take for granted.”
Tahnee, Charisma and Jack are accepting donations until September. Items can be dropped off at both Drysdale and Ocean Grove Bellarine Secondary College campuses.
