Appeal launched
The urgent need for a van to transport donated food for the growing Neerim District Food Relief has become the focus of a community appeal.
The food transportation currently falls to a small band of volunteers who use private vehicles to pick up an increasing volume of food from Dandenong and Warragul.
Spokesperson Judy Gleeson said it wasn’t unusual for a volunteer to make three round trips from Neerim South to Warragul in a day, proving costly and time consuming.
As a result, Neerim District Food Relief launched its community appeal in December and is urging any local businesses, service clubs and individuals to offer financial backing. The community van is expected to cost $32,000.
Based at the Algie Hall in Neerim South, the Food Relief branch has grown significantly in the past 10 years.
Ms Gleeson said the group assisted about 10 local families in 2009 but now provides food to 150 families across a huge area ranging from Icy Creek, Noojee, Powelltown and Nayook to Willow Grove, Drouin West, Darnum and Nilma.
Asked what the community van would mean to the small band of about six volunteers, Ms Gleeson said “it would be like God has blessed us, and we aren’t religious out here”.
“It would be so utilised, you have no idea,” she added.
She added that the group had already secured a fridge/freezer that runs off a battery to lessen the cost of a van, as “we’re horses before the cart type of people”.
Originally located at the front of the Algie Hall, the Food Relief branch moved to the back of the hall and has found its home.
A low-roofed room, outdoor area with a new roof, storeroom area and a tearoom are basic but warm and welcoming.
Ms Gleeson said the move to the back of the hall had seen numbers grow, believing many may have been initially embarrassed to be seen out the front.
In addition to the families, the volunteers have recently noticed a lot of elderly residents collecting fruit and vegetables.
“As long as anyone has a Centrelink payment, they are welcome here,” she said.
However, Neerim District Food Relief is not only a chance to gain much needed food.
Lee Quine, through her baking expertise, attracts many visitors upstairs to the tearoom and is rewarded with growing social engagement.
Theresa, a regular visitor as part of the Man Cave program, praised the wonderful support on offer at Neerim District Food Relief.
“I won’t miss a Thursday because I want to come here. There’s so much love. I’d be here every day if you were open.”
The branch also run “outreach days” at Yarra Junction on Fridays, Noojee on Saturdays and Jindivick on Sundays.
Asked why she joined Neerim District Food Relief, Ms Gleeson simply answered “I retired and had nothing to do”.
Born in Neerim South, she added, “I enjoy it immensely, we all do”.
Previously relying on barbecues and raffles, with the Neerim District Community Bank and former Baw Baw Shire mayor Joe Gauci among its supporters, Ms Gleeson said the community appeal was needed to secure funds for the community van.
She said Neerim South was a small town and its businesses were asked for assistance regularly. She hopes others can come on board to help the appeal.
If you can assist or wish to learn more, visit mycause.com.au/page/192941.