Annual ‘Kris Kringle’ donation
Wimmera volunteers have ensured necessary toiletries found their way to homes of people doing it tough.
Horsham East Rotary Club provided $1200 in toiletries to Christian Emergency Food Centre last week, to distribute to clients.
Centre client assessment manager Bev Miatke said toiletries were such an important and often over-looked donation.
“When money is tight, toiletries and personal items are normally overlooked as luxuries, when they really are necessities,” she said.
“Money is often spent on food for the family rather than extra soap or toothpaste.”
The donation has become an annual tradition for Rotary members, replacing a yearly ‘Kris Kringle’.
“It was originally the idea of former Rotary president Penny Flynn to make a difference in people’s lives this way, with small and important items that make a large difference to everyone,” Ms Miatke said.
“We appreciate the Rotary club’s time and support and we know our clients are better off for their efforts.”
Rotary president and former Horsham mayor Pam Clarke said volunteers and the Rotary community embraced the tradition, which was a unique way to support the community.
“It is all about cause and effect. These items will make such a huge difference in people’s lives and it is an amazing way of contributing to the community,” she said.