While in lockdown in Birkhall, Scotland on the Balmoral Estate, the Duchess of Cornwall has been working behind the scenes on plans for her first Australian patronage with GIVIT, an incredible Australian not-for-profit organisation.
Earlier this month, the Duchess was delighted to celebrate its announcement with a video call to GIVIT founder Juliette Wright in Brisbane ,as well as her team members around Australia.
“I have watched and listened to the daily news of how Australians are suffering from these catastrophic bushfires and, now, the Coronavirus and my heart goes out to them. As Patron of GIVIT, I hope I shall be able to help this remarkable charity deal with a crisis at grassroots level,” said the Duchess.
Her Royal Highness says GIVIT’s vital work matching the generosity of donors with those in need across Australia is “inspirational” and has personally donated to provide essential items to help communities rebuild after the recent catastrophic bushfire season.
“What a fantastic charity GIVIT is and how proud I am that I’ve become your patron,” the Duchess told Juliette Wright in the call.
The Duchess’s advocacy will support GIVIT’s national Bushfires Appeal, National Indigenous Support Program, and raise awareness of the urgently needed items to help the many Australians affected by the economic repercussions of the Coronavirus crisis.
Duchess Camilla shared an exciting video call with GIVIT Founder, Juliette Wright in Brisbane.
(Clarence House)Juliette said the charity was incredibly honoured and grateful that The Duchess of Cornwall had accepted GIVIT’s invitation to become its Patron.
“It’s clear The Duchess of Cornwall and GIVIT share strong values in wanting to help people and communities in very real and practical ways,” said Juliette.
“I’m certain the support from The Duchess of Cornwall will directly help to ease the suffering of people and communities affected by everyday hardships, the catastrophic bushfires, ongoing drought conditions and now Australia’s most challenging public health and economic crisis.”
“It’s clear The Duchess of Cornwall and GIVIT share strong values in wanting to help people and communities in very real and practical ways,” said the organisation’s founder.
(Getty)In the conversation, the Duchess said she couldn’t wait to be back in Australia and meet the GIVIT team in person as well as see more of Australia.
“I love Australia,” she said.
“The visits I’ve had have been so wonderful. I love The Australian humour, I like the rather laidback attitude…we [the Duchess and her husband Prince Charles] always have a good laugh.”
And as she waved goodbye to the GIVIT team the Duchess added: “See you in Oz, sooner rather than later I hope.”
About GIVIT
Through givit.org.au, generosity is channeled where it is needed to support vulnerable people and communities in Australia.
Working with more than 3,400 support organisations, GIVIT ensures people get what they need when they need it most – whether recovering from a disaster event, or experiencing hardship due to circumstances such as drought, domestic and family violence, homelessness, disability, and mental health.
If you wish to help fellow Australians impacted by recent bushfires or Coronavirus, please donate funds via GIVIT.org.au.
100 per cent of donated funds received by GIVIT will be used to purchase vouchers and urgently needed items, from local businesses where possible.
