By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
The Gully Market, operating from the Upper Ferntree Gully Railway Station car park, has announced two generous donations to local charities ahead of Christmas, continuing its tradition of giving back to the community.
This year, the market has donated $2000 to Foothills Community Care and $2000 to the Ferntree Gully branch of the Salvation Army, furthering its commitment to support those in need during the holiday season.
Foothills Community Care Chief executive officer Steve Barrington said they will be using the funds to help provide Christmas lunch for hundreds of people.
“The donation is crucial in ensuring that the community’s most vulnerable will have a warm, festive meal,” Mr Barrington said.
“With this donation, we can buy up to 60 kilos of roasting meat, along with roast chickens and hams, to feed approximately 250 people this Christmas.”
“This is such a vital part of what we do, and it’s made possible thanks to the Gully Market’s generosity.”
Foothills Community Care has been running its Christmas lunch initiative for over two decades.
Mr Barrington said the organisation typically serves about 320 people each year.
This year, however, the number will be slightly reduced due to venue limitations – the meal is provided for individuals and families who may not have anywhere to go on Christmas Eve.
Mr Barrington said donations like the Gully Market’s play a critical role in helping the charity continue its vital work in the community.
“It’s incredible that a local organisation like the Gully Market can support us in such a meaningful way – they’re helping to feed those in need right here in the community.”
On the other side of Ferntree Gully, the Salvation Army is also gearing up for a busy Christmas season, with $2000 from the Gully Market going toward the purchase of food for their Christmas hampers.
Major Rosie Massey, Minister of the Ferntree Gully Salvation Army said the funds would help provide 150 food hampers for local families.
“The $2000 donation will allow us to create 60 additional hampers, helping us reach more families this Christmas,” she said.
This year’s hampers will include Christmas dinner staples such as ham, turkey, vegetables, and seasonal treats.
Ms Massey also noted the growing demand for assistance as the cost of living continues to rise, making it even harder for many families in the area to make ends meet.
“Without donations like the one from the Gully Market, we simply wouldn’t be able to provide the same level of support to our community,” she said.
“This donation means we can provide more hampers, ensuring more local families have a Christmas meal to enjoy.”
The Salvation Army has been seeing an increase in demand for food assistance, with families reaching out for help more than ever before.
Ms Massey emphasised the importance of local community support in times like these.
“It’s vital that community groups like the Gully Market step up and help their own – we’re all in this together, and it’s heartwarming to see local businesses and individuals come together to make a difference,” she said.
As of December 2023, the Gully Market has donated a total of $23,500 to various local charities.
The market’s president Ian Rice expressed his pride in the ongoing support the market has been able to provide.
“It’s been an incredible year for the Gully Market, and we’re so proud of the impact we’ve been able to make,” Mr Rice said.
“We hope that by supporting organisations like Foothills Community Care and the Salvation Army, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families.”
Mr Rice also encouraged the community to continue supporting the market, which in turn supports important local causes.
“By shopping at markets like ours, you’re directly contributing to initiatives that help those in need,” he said.
“We can’t thank the community enough for their ongoing support.”
Both Mr Barrington and Ms Massey expressed their gratitude to the Gully Market and the local community for their contributions.
“It’s about local people helping local people,” Ms Massey said.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the support of the community, and we’re incredibly thankful for it.”
For those who would like to help, donations to both organisations are still being accepted.
“We’ve reached full capacity and won’t be taking any more people for the rest of the year – we understand that times are tough for everyone, and while we’d love to help everyone, we’re currently unable to accommodate any more,” Mr Barrington said.
Foothills Community Care is collecting gifts and food for its Christmas lunch and hampers, while the Salvation Army is accepting non-perishable food items and toys for its Christmas appeal.
