Macedon Ranges residents are being encouraged to show their support for refugees by donating tinned goods, pantry staples and toiletries to a food drive to support the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
Organised by the Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees (MRRAR), the food drive will collect non-perishable items to donate to the centre’s foodbank.
MRRAR volunteers will be outside Woodend Coles and IGA Gisborne on Saturday, June 23 to collect donations.
Basmati rice, dried red lentils and chickpeas, canned tomatoes and tomato paste, coconut cream, tinned fish in oil and bikkies top the list of desperately needed items.
MRRAR’s Margot Clark said the food drive coincided with Refugee Week, from June 17-23.
“People from across the world have sought safety in Australia. They are making many valuable contributions to Australian society and show immense courage and resilience,” she said.
“MRRAR works to support refugees through fundraising and collection of basic non-perishable foods.” Ms Clark said the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre provided food to 700 people every week.
The group will also hold a movie night on Friday, June 22 at the Norma Richardson Hall, Buckland Street, Woodend to raise money for the centre.
The movie, Welcome, will start at 7pm.
The food drive will run from 9am-1pm.
Details: mrrar.refugees@gmail.com
