Newy Paddlers and the McCloy group pooled together the donation, which was presented to refuge operators Nova for Women and Children earlier this month.

For the past three years Newy Paddlers, a Carrington-based and community-minded paddling club, have held the Paddle 4 Good event which raises funds for Trisha House.

The Newcastle-based refuge was opened in 2017 as a response to the growing issue of women and children becoming homeless in the region. It was named in memory of a woman who was killed by her ex-partner.

While storms forced the cancellation of this year's Paddle 4 Good, which was meant to be staged at the start of February, nothing stopped the Newy Paddlers from doing what they could to help Trisha House.

Members of the club, of which there are about 40, generously contributed $1000 out of their own pocket.

Newy Paddler Paul Hines then reached out to the McCloy Group to see if they were willing to help. Within no time at all they agreed to do donate $5000.

"We're pretty proud of what happened," Newy Paddlers president Guy Fiddes said.

"We know our donations make a difference to Nova. Last year they were able to buy an industrial washing machine for Trisha House."

Members of the Newy Paddlers, including Wallsend MP Sonia Honery who helped to officially open Trisha House, and McCloy Group development manager Jon Hines, gathered in Carrington on March 11 to present Nova staff with the cheque.

"It was a great opportunity for Nova thank all involved for their generous contribution towards supporting women and children who are experiencing homeless or escaping domestic violence in the Newcastle area," Nova stated.

Trisha House can offer crisis accommodation to seven single women and four women with children for up to 28 days.

It also has a two bedroom unit which Nova can use exclusively for women exiting a mental health facility for up to six months to help with the adjustment to life back in the community.