Donation to help keep vital service’s doors wide open

Just like the Good Samaritan who stopped to help the traveller on the side of the road, the Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem has stepped up to the cause to help an essential frontline addiction support service in Bunbury.

Order representative Sean Fox-Slater said his time serving as a Justice of the Peace in court had distressed him hearing of people’s battles with drug addiction.

“Once you start it’s very hard to stop, it’s a battle,” he said.

“One woman I heard from said she had been going to Doors Wide Open and said it was one of the only places she could get help. It made me realise how truly valuable it is to the region.”

This week the order donated $3000 to Doors Wide Open to help the organisation continue to support those in need in the community.

It can be so easy for people to sit in judgement of others, but we often forget we need to provide help and support.

“As a Christian, we have to try and help fix it and show love.

“Doors Wide Open has a very empathetic team of workers and volunteers who understand the challenges of addiction.

“We recognise that Doors Wide Open has been seriously impacted by the current difficult circumstances and we are keen to assist this much-needed organisation.”

The organisation was one of several the order donated to, after it collectively fundraised to help those in distress.

Doors Wide Open chairwoman Jane Anderson thanked the order for its donation.

“Their donation reduces the pressure on keeping doors open to people wanting support to deal with the problems that confront them,” Dr Anderson said.