Christmas at Gorman House Alcohol and Drug Detoxification Unit
Gorman House Alcohol and Drug Detoxification Unit is a significant charitable project of the NSW Branch of the Order. The unit is part of St Vincent’s Hospital and provides ongoing, non-judgmental support for Sydney’s most marginalized people with drug and alcohol dependencies. Many of those who come to Gorman House are homeless, many have severe mental health problems and many have severe physical health problems. Some have all three.
Seven years ago government funding was cut for Gorman House. The NSW Branch of the Order formed a partnership with St Vincent’s and the NSW Branch financial support has meant that Gorman House has been able to remain open 7 days a week 24 hours a day. To date the NSW branch has raised over $1million to keep the doors of Gorman House open to Sydney’s homeless and addicted who are seeking help.
As many of those who visit Gorman House are homeless, the Unit is also provided with some of the Order’s specially designed ‘Coats for the Homeless’ to distribute during the winter months. The NSW branch has also established a library, offering residents a selection of second hand books on a non-returnable basis.
In addition to fundraising for Gorman House, Members and friends of the Order attend thrice weekly barbeques for the residents. These volunteers assist Gorman House staff and provide important companionship and interaction with residents.
One of the most difficult times for residents is at Christmas. Every year the Order of Malta volunteers attend the lunchtime barbeque at Gorman House on Christmas Day and also distribute a small Christmas Gift to the residents. The gift is usually a pack containing toiletries, socks and a t-shirt.
$20 will buy a Christmas Gift for a resident of Gorman House this Christmas. If you would like to you can do this via our secure online gateway: