We’re thrilled to announce Matthew Talbot Hostel as Good360’s Member of the Month for June! Part of the Vinnies network, Matthew Talbot Hostel supports people experiencing homelessness and hardship across Sydney and surrounding regions. Their incredible team makes the most of every donation they receive, helping thousands of people access essential items, feel seen and supported, and take positive steps forward. Read on to hear from Jane from Matthew Talbot Hostel, and discover the impact they’ve made with Good360 donations, from handing out toiletries and warm jackets to supporting job interviews and online learning.
When did Matthew Talbot Hostel join Good360?
We joined Good360 in August, 2019.
What programs do you use your Good360 donations for? Who does the program serve? How does it impact Australians in need?
The Matthew Talbot Hostel uses the Good360 products for the following shelters (MTH, various women’s shelters, various men’s shelters), various Vinnies Service Centres all over Sydney, Central Coast and South Coast, which assist the clients directly. Good360’s services also assist Vinnies’ outreach programs, including Vinnies Vans.
All the items impact our clients in need as they provide direct essential help, but also provide validation for our clients who may not have these essential items. There are many examples, but one that springs to mind is when the fabric was taken to the sewing group, everyone was so excited. This fabric gives our clients the opportunity to create their own items.
We also have toiletries that are handed out to the men at MTH each fortnight. Without these essential toiletries, life would be much harder for the men. These toiletries also support the other women’s and men’s centres, including the outreach programs and Vinnies Vans.
We’ve also received iPads. These have given clients in need an opportunity to start and complete online courses. For example, many clients I talk to have completed trade certificates (eg. White cards and many others). The donated technology and IT items are also in our computer room, where our clients learn how to use technology, which helps in regards to resumes and trying to find jobs. This, in return, is giving back to the community. To summarise, all the Good360 items impact all Australians in need as the items fill a gap in all Vinnies services. We could not manage without Good360 – thank you!
What is your favourite moment/interaction that you have had with a client when utilising the Good360 product?
My favourite interactions that I have had with clients are when I assist them with either choosing Good360 clothing, especially interview clothing, including clothing and shoes. The clients are in awe of the Good360 clothing and always love the items. The NIKE puffer jackets were particularly a hit. I loved the fact that we could provide these jackets to the men on such cold days.
One of my favourite moments is when I assisted one client with clothing and shoes for a job interview. He said to me, “I feel uncomfortable with this clothing on, I’m not used to it”. I then said to him, “You look fabulous, hold your head high in this clothing.”
Guess what, he got the job!
How does Good360 help your mission?
Good360 has helped the Vinnies mission by assisting our clients in need by providing essential items to our clients in the community. Good360 items are distributed to all of the Vinnies Centres and Services throughout Sydney and outer areas. All of the items are then distributed directly to all the clients in need.
Good360 is an inspiration to Vinnies as Good360 validates each and every client in need. Every client benefits daily from the Good360 donations.
What would happen if Good360 weren’t here to help?
Vinnies would suffer greatly. We would not have clothing, shoes, toiletries and all the great items to assist the homeless in our community. We don’t have a big budget for the items above, and we would have to go without, which would affect our clients greatly.
What is your favourite donation you have received from Good360? Why?
My favourite products have been the NIKE jackets, all the NIKE shoes, the maternity clothing and the baby items (which support the women in our community). Also, the WAKEN toothpaste has been fantastic. These tubes get handed out freely to the men we serve at the Talbot each fortnight. Also, if men come into the Talbot with no toiletries, we hand out the WAKEN mouthwash. The WAKEN also goes out to each and every centre, impacting each client individually.
How many lives have you impacted through Good360’s donations?
An estimate would be around 5,000.
