By Mikayla van Loon
As a volunteer-run charity, feeding over 100 people in the Yarra Ranges, The Philanthropic Collective values the interest from community leaders, no matter where they come from.
Strategic development and event director Andrew Fillip-Gautier said by offering a shadow volunteer program for leaders of the community, whether from religious, Indigenous, business or political backgrounds, they can experience the work hands-on.
“We welcome all leaders from the community and it doesn’t matter what political persuasion they’re from,” he said.
“I think it’s important that they all have that opportunity to have a look at what we do in a hands-on way, with the view that when forming policy or frameworks, it gives them a greater understanding that this is actually very real for the community.
“It’s certainly one thing to write about what we do, or tell people about what we do. It’s much more potent to actually have them involved.”
Liberal Casey candidate Aaron Violi was one of those people who offered up his morning on Wednesday 2 March to lend a helping hand from start to finish of the Free Food Program.
“The opportunity to go through the whole process and start at a supermarket, collect the food, come and pack the hampers, and then deliver them. It’s been really eye opening,” he said.
Newly elected Streeton Ward councillor Andrew Fullagar also shadowed the program twice in January to gain knowledge of the Program and to see where food is needed in the community.
Mr Violi said he values experiences where he can really learn about what is happening in the community.
“The main thing that Andrew talked about is there’s obviously a big need coming out of Covid and their demand has been higher than ever.
“The other thing that I’ve seen is this really works well because it’s community-based. People are a lot more comfortable talking to their friends and family and school communities.”
Mr Fillip-Gautier said having Mr Violi on board for a just day helped with a bit of extra strength in the cohort of volunteers and he would encourage any men to get involved where they can.
He also said while the team at the Collective work towards providing electric vehicles so it can become carbon neutral and reduce its footprint, volunteers are currently using the fuel in their own vehicles to deliver the food boxes, a cost outside the charity’s realms.
To help keep The Philanthropic Collective delivering food to those who need it most, go to https://www.philanthropic.org.au/donate.
