Anglicare News
Amanda Erskine, Communications Officer Anglicare Tasmania
Hi, my name is...
Amanda Erskine. I'm the Communications Officer for Anglicare Tasmania and I have Cerebral Palsy.
In 2006 I was receiving some support from Anglicare's Disability Employment Network Service and doing a PhD in Inclusive Education at the University of Tasmania when I received a phone call from Anglicare offering me an interview.
At first I said 'no', I was happily in the midst of research and still hoping to teach. I was 34 at the time and had never had a full-time position. It wasn't from a lack of trying.
I eventually said 'yes' to Anglicare, not just because they value me as a person with skills, but because up until a few years ago I had been doing it tough on the Disability Support Pension and I struggled fortnight to fortnight.
I knew what it is like to be a person in need, wanting some compassion and understanding. Anglicare's core business is to respond to Tasmanians in need with compassion and understanding.
As Communications Officer I'm responsible for many of Anglicare's publications, as well as fundraising and client assistance. I get to speak to managers, employees, parishioners, members and sometimes clients on a daily basis.
I've been asked in the past 'Why does Anglicare ask for donations when the State and Federal Governments provide a large amount of our funding?'
It's true that Anglicare receives a large amount of government funding but the donations we receive allow us to provide one-off urgent assistance and some ongoing assistance.
I know first-hand where the money we raise goes. A large proportion of the money that we received during my first Christmas Appeal in 2006 went to young people in Anglicare's Placement and Support Service.
Donations paid for school books, uniforms and shoes and in some cases mattresses. The rest of the money and the money raised by regular donations throughout the year has been used for funeral expenses, heating costs, and medical expenses for Tasmanians who had no-one else to turn to.
I often get emotional when I receive calls from people who want to give to Anglicare. It doesn't matter to me whether it is a two dollar donation or one hundred dollars.
It is always a generous gift when it comes from the heart.
I think I have the best job in the world, helping Tasmanians to help other locals in need.
Thank you to any one reading this who has donated in the past (now you know who's on the other end of the phone).
I'm planning for my third Christmas Appeal, I know how hard tough times can be but I urge you to think about donating to Anglicare - you're not donating to an organisation, you are donating to Tasmanians in need.
If you would like to receive further information on our upcoming Christmas appeal or you would like to donate now please call 6213 3555. Or donate through our website.