Kyneton’s caring message

Kyneton Caring Community volunteer Lisa Jackson. (Damjan Janevski) 207293_05

By Laura Michell

A Kyneton charity has hailed the generosity of the local community during the coronavirus pandemic.

Kyneton Caring Community operations manager Karen Wildenburg said a number of locals had donated to the charity’s food bank in recent weeks, while others had reached out to enquire how they could lend a hand.

“In the last two weeks, I’ve had more phone calls from people calling to ask how they can help out than I’ve ever had,” Ms Wildenburg said.

“It makes me proud to be a part of such a community … it is heartwarming.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated and is continuing to donate food.”

Kyneton Caring Community was forced to close its op shop as a result of strict COVID-19 regulations, but its food bank remains open.

The service is registered with Foodbank Victoria and Bendigo Foodshare and is well stocked, with the exception of pasta, rice and pasta sauce.

Ms Wildenburg said the organisation was only able to distribute food by appointment, in accordance was social distancing regulations, and had started a food delivery service for people in isolation.

She said there had been a “slight increase” in demand for food.

“I don’t think we have seen the full impact of what is going on,” Ms Wildenburg said.

“People have only just lost their jobs so they are able to get by on their savings…we have been stockpiling food for the future.”

The Kyneton Caring Community Foodbank is open Monday-Friday from 10am-3pm.

Details: 5422 1163