By Parker McKenzie
Non-perishable food, knitted and cold weather clothing and surprisingly toilet paper are some of the items most needed by vulnerable members of the community this winter, according to local non-for-profits.
Community Hub and Meeting Place in Our Neighbourhood — or CHAMPION for short — is a community service established by the Temple Society of Australia, offering emergency food relief and assistance to those in need.
CHAMPION Community Outreach Officer Sarah Horsnell said the best type of donations for winter are toiletries, clothes and non perishes foods.
“That consists of non-perishable frozen meat that we buy from the butcher, fruit and veg, fridge and freezer items,” she said.
“Generally toiletries and knitted goods too. Toilet paper is one at the moment people are struggling to find.”
80 per cent of the non-for-profit organisation’s donations come from the general public and it doesn’t require pension or concession cards to access its services.
Judy Thornbury from Open Door Community Care, a Monbulk non-for-profit running an open door pantry, said most of their food is supplied through Foodbank Victoria.
“Winter clothing and blankets are always welcome,” she said.
“Food-wise we aren’t doing too bad. Toilet paper always goes quickly when it comes in.”
Ms Horsnell said anyone wishing to volunteer with CHAMPION should contact her through the details on their website.
“We have a community hub plus a food hub as well, where people can come down and select what foods they want,” she said.
“We also work with people with further issues such as financial issues or family violence, referring them into services that might assist them further.”
Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service Manager Tania Bevins said she believes more people are seeking help through community care organisations because of the rising cost of living.
“We can always use some help. We welcome all inquiries and we can’t operate without the support,” she said.
“Sleeping bags rated for cold weather are always needed and something we need more of.”
According to Foodbank Victoria, an estimated 11,000 Victorians are unable to be assisted when seeking food relief each month, with 38 per cent of them being children.
