By Parker McKenzie
With the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service receiving large donations of pet food from Pets of the Homeless Australia, the Belgrave-based charity is seeking other donations to help those in need throughout the Hills.
DRERS is a not-for-profit organisation supporting people experiencing financial stress, crisis and hardship in the Dandenong Ranges.
DRERS chief executive officer Tania Bevan said she is thankful for the large donation made by Pets of the Homeless.
“People always ask for pet food. They’ll feed their pets before they feed themselves sometimes,” she said.
“It isn’t something we need more of at the moment because we’ve just picked up from Pets of the Homeless .”
Instead, she said people should give the DRERS a call to see what types of foods or items are currently needed if they are looking to donate.
“We are always seeking donations of what we are running out of,” she said.
“This year it is long-life milk and Vegemite. There are always things that we need.”
The charity was founded in 1998 and offers food, clothing and financial assistance to those in need.
Ms Bevins said in 2021 many in need throughout the community had assistance from the government because of an increase in Newstart payments.
“That meant we didn’t have as many people coming to us for help, which was good. At the end of last year, our numbers were still lower than pre-pandemic times, but the difference is the people who are asking for help are more desperate,” she said.
“Often it’s something that bundles of food won’t be able to fix because of mental health issues.”
While all types of donations are happily taken at DRERS, Ms Bevins said financial donations are best because they can be used to buy essentials like medicine for those in need.
“Our clients are the same as us, they are just having a hard and difficult time at the moment.”
The office is located at the lower level of the Belgrave Community Hub for people looking for social interaction, lunch or a cup of coffee, or donations can be left at the Belgrave Library on Reynolds Lane, Belgrave.
DRERS can be called between 9am and 12.30pm from Monday to Friday on 9754 7777.
