Presented by Gabby Knaepple
Eastern Emergency Relief Network Inc (EERN) was created in 1995 by Keith Rooney out of his home garage in North Blackburn. Keith’s links with service clubs and his experience as a former Mayor of Nunawading established EERN as a vital community-based organisation providing support for families in crisis within the City of Whitehorse.
EERN addresses a need for a central collection point to recycle second-hand furniture and other household goods for re-distribution as emergency aid to families or individuals requiring these items.
We assist those who are identified by our partner community organisations as having urgent needs.
These needs are created by many factors such as long-term illness, unemployment, homelessness, loss of home and belongings through fire or domestic violence.
Members’ clients who have limited resources and are struggling to buy essentials such as furniture, other household goods and, even basic food packs and personal hygiene products can access these necessities at the EERN warehouse.
Recipients can only access the warehouse through an EERN partner Member Agency.
Funding EERN Activities:
Annual membership fees from Member agencies cover less than 1/4 of the annual costs of operating the EERN business.
Ongoing running costs of EERN and reinvestment and upgrading EERN equipment and facilities are dependent upon donations from our many generous supporters including:
- The City of Whitehorse and philanthropic trusts,
- Local service and common interest groups including Lions and Rotary Clubs
- Several generous private donors whose donations are particularly appreciated.
Cash donations are used to directly support EERN operating activities or for capital projects.
As a registered charity, all donations to EERN ($2.00 and above) are tax deductible.
EERN has grown, and now own two warehouses from which EERN’s services are delivered.
EERN volunteers test and tag all electrical items assessed as fit for purpose and meet all legal requirements. Thanks to the generosity and support of the City of Whitehorse over several years, EERN has been able to purchase new pillows, doonas, sheet sets and blankets for beds distributed to Agency clients.
How can you Help
Make an online donation via EFT to EERN – please email our treasurer@easternemergency.org.au for our bank details.
Make a bequest in your Will guarantees that your values, ideals and generosity in supporting the more vulnerable members of our community will continue to live on, long after you are unable to express them personally.
Volunteer to attend one morning per week to enable us to provide our much-needed service to the more vulnerable members of our community. If you have the time and want to make an invaluable contribution to our local community, volunteering with EERN is a rewarding way to be involved.
Donate items to be collected by our volunteers can be made by contacting our warehouse on 9874 8433 during business hours or by email to arrange a time for collection. This is preferred so we can assess if the items suit EERN’s needs.