A MANDURAH charity yesterday donated its 6000th computer to a young disadvantaged resident.
Western Australian senator Sue Lines joined Mandurah Muscateers Charity Computers secretary Philip Gray to celebrate the occasion.
“The computer was given to a young lady who at age 14 suffered from domestic violence and took to the streets for over two years,” Mr Gray said.
“Now under the wings of Peel Youth Services and in a more stable environment, she has begun her new life.”
The recipient of the computer, Maddi Hamilton said she was ‘ecstatic’ to receive the computer.
“I couldn’t believe it at first,” she said.
“It’s going to help me out with so much.”
Ms Hamilton said she is currently living on people’s couches and said the computer would help her with accommodation as well as education opportunities and employment.
The Mandurah Muscateers recently received $1145 from the Australian Government as part of $16million in grants to support the nation’s volunteers.
“The volunteers at Mandurah Muscateers are all self-taught and passionate about sharing their skills with the Peel community,” Mr Gray said.
Senator Lines said she was proud to show her support towards such a deserving charity.
“It’s amazing to see what a group like this does to help out the community,” she said.
MHR Don Randal said the Mandurah Muscateers provide a fantastic service for people who can’t afford a computer which would assist them with employment and education.
Mandurah Muscateers collects and refurbishes computers to distribute to disadvantaged Mandurah residents.
Mr Gray said the goal was to distribute them at no cost or a minimal fee, to needy and disserving individuals and organisations.
As an all-volunteer operation working only two days a week the group has processed and distributed 6000 computers to the elderly, sick and needy since it was founded in 1997.