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Support floods in for Katie

26Sep06

Broadway Shopping Centre's Felicity Kendall, resident Warren Flemming and Katie Erin.

DONATIONS have flooded in from generous readers of The Glebe for the woman no State Government department wanted to help.

Last week The Glebe published a story about Glebe resident Katie Erin who had left a mental health facility to be placed in Housing Department accommodation without so much as a bed or fridge.

Neither the Housing Department or South Western Sydney Area Health Service would take responsibility for the situation.

Local residents and businesses have now donated a brand new fridge, television, microwave and kitchen equipment.

Ms Erin also has a lounge, bedding and new clothes, shoes and toiletries.

``I wasn't expecting anything like this,'' Ms Erin said.

``I didn't think there were so many people who would want to help me out.''

Glebe Estate caretaker Warren Flemming, who told The Glebe about Ms Erin's situation, was inundated with phone calls after the story was published.

``I had 110 calls in one day,'' he said.

``It blew me away and really made me think. It makes me so proud. And to see the smile on Katie's face makes it even better.''

He spent the entire weekend driving around the Inner West, picking up goods and dropping them off to the flat.

His good work nearly came undone on Sunday morning when someone stole his car. But with the help of a truck from Balmain Rentals, he managed to collect most of the donations.

There were five fridges, three televisions, two microwaves and at least 10 boxes of crockery and linen.

Any left over donations will be kept in storage at the estate. Mr Flemming said it won't go to waste and other needy families and people starting out will be able to access the goods.

Ms Erin said she was doing well and felt as though her life has taken a positive turn in the last week.

She is now finding peace in her new flat and has even been writing music again.

``That's what I love to do,'' she said. ``I feel I can do it now. I even wrote a 17 minute piece last week. It feels great.''

The Glebe would like to sincerely thank the community for the support they have shown Ms Erin while she attempts to recover from her illness and rebuild her life.

KATIE'S DONORS

Broadway Shopping Centre

Harvey Norman

Anglicare

Mission Beat

Qantas

Balmain Rentals

Glebe Library

St James Primary School, Glebe

Raine and Horne Glebe