PORT Stephens police have put their best foot forward and helped Mission Australia to shoe the state’s homeless population.
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About 11 pairs of second-hand police boots were donated by the Port Stephens command to Mission Australia during 2016 Homelessness Week.
It came as part of a state-wide police charity drive where officers donated boots that were still in good nick but no longer needed, which Mission Australia collected to give to those in need of shoes.
Superintendent Chris Craner, the Port Stephens police commander, said taking part in the drive was “something we can do to help out”.
“These things often launch and occur in Sydney,” Superintendent Craner said.
“It’s nice to be able to do our bit on behalf of the police in our own command and contribute to the cause.”
Rob Theobald from Mission Australia Newcastle collected the box of boots from the Raymond Terrace Police Station on August 24.
The Newcastle branch also collected 20 boots from the city’s police command.
Mission Australia’s NSW state director, Ben Carblis, thanked the commands that took part in the initiative.
“[The] boot drive is a great initiative that provides homeless people with quality leather boots from their local police,” Mr Carblis said.
“An adequate pair of shoes is something we often take for granted, but for those vulnerable people living in tough conditions, quality shoes are vital to manage foot health.
“This is one way we can ease the suffering of those who are homeless, particularly during the colder winter months.”
Superintendent Allan Sicard, the central metropolitan police region’s spokesperson for vulnerable communities, said the force was pleased to support the initiative after receiving a “fantastic response” to a similar drive held a number of years ago.
“When working with vulnerable people, our most important role is putting them in touch with helpful service providers and other support networks that may help them in finding a way out of homelessness,” he said.
“We also know early intervention is integral to addressing this issue. It’s far more effective to offer assistance for families and children before they become homeless – this is where community groups can provide initial support, for instance.
“For many Australians, the risk of losing their home can be a simple pay slip away, which is why community discussion and supporting service providers is so important.”
