A Kyneton food bank and community support service is calling for support in the leadup to Christmas and to address a sharp increase in people seeking support.
The Kindness Collective Kyneton business development and food delivery manager Hugh Vardon said he has noticed a “massive influx” of people seeking support for a variety of reasons.
“People are struggling with cost of living, there are mums and dads with young families. There are people with both parents working, and their mortgage rolled off … and all of a sudden they’re in a financial crisis,” he said.
Mr Vardon said this “sharp” increase began about February this year, with the organisation now hoping to receive increased community support.
“The first thing they can do is obviously donate to help the food bank. Donations could be in cash, in-kind, and in … volunteering. We’re always looking for volunteers … to serve our community,” he said.
“It will give us an opportunity to prepare and budget for our Christmas [period] … we do 200 hampers a year … so any support we get is good support.”
Mr Vardon said that donors can choose which community services within the organisations that their donations are directed to.
Services include a daily soup and meal kitchen, a discounted second-hand store, and the food bank.
Through a new initiative, the organisation aims to supply community members with high-protein meals and fresh fruit and vegetables.
“A special thanks to the people who are already donating to us … we just want to give a big thank you to all of the people who support us from the community and beyond,” Mr Vardon said.
Details: www.tkc.org.au/
Oscar Parry
