Cardiff charity Survivors R Us is facing one of its most critical moments in its history, with a last-minute move forcing volunteers to scramble over the holiday period.
For the past nine years, the community hub has assisted men, women, children and pets in crisis, providing essential services for rehabilitation.
However, rising demands and the expiration of their current lease have left staff concerned for the future of the organisation.
Founder Ann-Maria Martin said their rental agreement was expected to see a $50,000 annual price hike coming into the new year.
“We had to either buy it or get out of there because we just can’t afford the increase every 12 months, especially with all the extra work that we’re doing,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
After campaigning to the community, the charity raised nearly enough money to purchase a new location across the street on Pendlebury Road in Cardiff.
But, it still left Ms Martin and her brother to fork out a combined $40,000 in personal funds to get them across the line.
“Otherwise, the building would’ve gone to auction and we would have had nowhere to go,” she explained.
“So, we would have had to close down.
“It’s been really tough.”
In April, the federal government promised the charity $2.8 million to support its future.
But, Ms Martin explained Survivors R Us is not able to access the funds until it’s relocated to the new premises.
“We’ve got a sold sign on it and, now, we’re desperately trying to move everything over,” she said.
“However, we still haven’t seen the government’s money.
“We’re hoping to see it by the time settlement date is here because we’re desperate for it to pay for the new building.”
The location will open up additional possibilities for the charity, as well as save them $100,000 in rent.
Now, the next hurdle is the astronomical move, needed to be completed by 14 January.
Ms Martin said they required about 200 people to assist, having to pack up two 1,200 square metre warehouses and a two-storey office in just over a month.
“There won’t be a holiday this year,” she stated.
“We’ll all be moving stuff over, but we need all hands on deck.
“Anyone who’s strong and able to help us pack boxes and move stuff to the new facility would be welcomed.
“There’s not much time to go.”
The organisation is accepting donations through its website to cover moving costs.
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