Seaford grandmother honoured posthumously for legacy to Melbourne's homeless
14 May 2008
Every night, refuges throughout Melbourne struggle to accommodate the city's burgeoning homeless population. Now, thanks to the passion and drive of Seaford identity, the late Mavis Lester, some of Melbourne's most vulnerable women and children can sleep a little easier.
From this week, welfare agency Melbourne Citymission will be able to accommodate an extra family at its eight-bedroom women's refuge in Melbourne's north, as a direct result of the fundraising efforts of Mavis, who lost a long battle with cancer in June 2007, and her former workmates at Golden Messengers courier service.
A bungalow at the rear of the property - constructed for Melbourne Citymission by homelessness charity Kids Under Cover with money raised by Mavis and Golden Messengers - will take significant pressure off the waiting list for the women's refuge, according to Anne Turley, Chief Executive Officer, Melbourne Citymission.
"Melbourne Citymission is incredibly appreciative of the generosity of Mavis Lester, Golden Messengers and Kids Under Cover," Ms Turley said.
"Being homeless is stressful. It's difficult to focus your attention on anything else. Imagine how difficult it would be to have the responsibility of caring for a young baby or toddler and no safe shelter."
Ms Turley said the new bungalow would boost Melbourne Citymission's capacity to help women and children in need.
"Countless women and children will benefit from this legacy," Ms Turley said.
Rodney Oldham, Operations Director, Golden Messengers, said Mavis Lester and her workmates had raised the funds for the bungalow by holding bi-annual garage sales of unclaimed luggage donated by major client Virgin Blue.
"Mavis was so passionate about helping families in need that she really became the driving force behind these garage sales. She got more and more staff and clients involved as time went on, and on the days the sales were held, she'd be the first one there and the last one to leave.
"At most garage sales, people barter over goods," Mr Oldham said.
"Mavis wouldn't have any of that! The money was going to disadvantaged kids, so she made sure people paid the full value of the goods.
"During the last two years of her life, as she became increasingly unwell, she kept fighting, she was so determined to see this bungalow built. Right until the end, she was asking colleagues whether we'd raised enough funds.
"As a result, this week's opening of the bungalow is a very poignant occasion. It's sad that Mavis isn't here to see it come to fruition, but we all know how proud she would be."
Golden Messengers has been a long-time supporter of Kids Under Cover.
Since 1989, Kids Under Cover has built 16 houses and 169 bungalows - and relocated another 68 bungalows - to help alleviate youth homelessness.
Jo Swift, the organisation's Chief Executive Officer, said Kids Under Cover believed that every young person had the right to a safe and secure home and a sound education.
"Our bungalow program is an important part of our early intervention and homelessness prevention strategy."
Melbourne Citymission and Kids Under Cover will honour Mavis Lester at a plaque unveiling ceremony at the women's refuge this week.
Contact Information:
Deborah Fewster, Media and Advocacy Adviser, Melbourne Citymission
Mobile 0403 839 427
