An artful way to help Fremantle’s homeless

By Bethany Louise Smith A special auction is to be held to help homeless people in Fremantle. The Help the Homeless art auction will be held this coming Saturday at the Fremantle Town Hall. The auction aims to raise money for the Freo Street Doctor (FSD) and Fremantle Multicultural Centre (FMC). The FSD is a free service for disadvantaged members of the surrounding community – an extension of the Black Swan Health organisation. “[FSD] is a thriving and much needed service… we can’t keep up with the amount [of people] that need our help,” said Sal, a case worker who organises walk-in appointments. “Black Swan Health greatly appreciates the ongoing support from Soroptimist International Fremantle,” said Jacinta Balestra, a spokesperson for Black Swan Health. The auction has been organised by Soroptimist International of Western Australia. Soroptimist International describes itself as an organisation that strives for a safer world for women and young girls who are disadvantaged. “The money raised in [the upcoming] art auction has made an invaluable contribution to the essential health services that the Freo Street Doctor provides to the disadvantaged Fremantle community,” Balestra said. Alex Uzunovsky, the business developer and Media Manager from the Fremantle Multicultural Centre was delighted to be a part of the auction. “We can’t wait to support the auction if it means we will be helped in some way,” Uzunovsky said. “We will scratch their backs and they will scratch ours.” Volunteers from FMC will help out on the night. The Starlight Hotel Choir is also a beneficiary of the auction. “It is so important that the choir continues..music is so therapeutic and it’s good for the soul,” said choir leader Peter Anthony. “Dominantly, our members have mental health issues. “[The choir] is a great place for them to socialise and gain some confidence. It also gives them something to focus on throughout the week.” The event is free to enter.