A local not-for-profit organisation that started as a small op-shop is now on track to build a domestic-violence support shelter for Logan residents.
Defenders for Hope, established in 2021 after the death of Doreen Langham, is dedicated to providing support and care to families who, like Ms Langham, have suffered from domestic violence.
With three op shops in Logan – at Logan Village, Hillcrest and Jimboomba – Defenders for Hope continues to grow.
Now, after operating for almost three years, the Defenders for Hope team said Logan “needs more shelters”.
But to build a shelter, the organisation would need to raise $250,000.
Defenders for Hope programs manager, Kathy Smith, said the original plan for the organisation was to have the single op-shop in Logan Village, but they took off.
“Originally we wanted to raise money to support other DV charities,” Ms Smith said.
Defenders for Hope use the proceeds from the op-shops to fund their programs, including: backpacks for kids filled with supplies, workshops and counselling services, household essentials, and washing machines and fridges.
Mrs Smith said the charity started around one month after the death of Ms Langham.
“Doreen was a friend of mine and of everyone in the community,” she said.
“She was a beautiful soul that was community minded, loved people, she was always there to help and would give you the shirt off her back.”
Mrs Smith said they saw a gap in the market, with multiple Logan communities lacking domestic violence support groups and shelters.
“I got so sick and tired of full shelters,” she said.
Their latest project, dubbed “Doreen’s Place”, will house domestic violence victims for periods up to six months.
To fund the project, Defenders for Hope are hosting a “Defenders Ball”.
Each table at the ball will cost $5000 and seat 10.
With three months until the event all 40 tables have sold out – totalling $200,000.
Mrs Smith said they were hoping to raise another 50 grand through donations and an auction.
“We’ve got amazing auction items, [such as] a Dolphins’ (NRL team) signed jersey, a gorgeous lounge, holiday give-aways and things like that,” she said.
Mrs Smith said she couldn’t wait to get the project up and running.
“I’d obviously love it done right now, but realistically, it will probably happen in the beginning of 2025 because of builders and materials,” she said.
“This will be one of many [shelters].
“We need a few of them and everyone agrees.”
Mrs Smith said she was proud of the work Defenders for Hope had achieved.
“To help people everyday and to do this is amazing,” she said.
“We got over 50 volunteers and we retain so many.
She said Defenders for Hope are always searching for more volunteers.
“We look after our volunteers and they see the good work we do,” she said.
“That’s why we have such high retention.”
The “Defenders Ball” will be held on 1 July 2023
