Buses benefit from Ryder-Cheshire backing

RYDER-Cheshire Australia’s Ballarat Support Group has given funds and boxes of goods to The SoupBus and One Humanity Shower Bus, to boost their collaborative work this winter.

Raising the money through raffles, support group president, Dianne McGrath said both buses have each received a $200 cheque, and $500 worth of needed supplies with help from the group’s 30 members, between 40 and 99 years old.

“The Shower Bus got deodorant, toiletries, brand new men’s and ladies’ underwear, and knitted winter woollies,” she said.

“We gave The SoupBus a lot of non-perishable food in cans or packets. They put packs together to tide people over for a few days.

“They also needed disposable plastic ponchos to keep their clients, and their underclothing, dry when they’re out in the weather.”

Ms McGrath said she has been overwhelmed by the generosity of Ryder-Cheshire’s local volunteers, assisting those in need while facing their own challenges during the COVID period.

“Everybody has their own story, and some are doing it tough in our group, but they can put out for others. It brings tears to my eyes, it’s really lovely.”

The Ballarat Support Group was established to fundraise to provide “relief of suffering” through the Ryder-Cheshire charity’s two homes in East Timor and India, and three in Australia.

“All of these homes deal with illness, disabilities, people who are suffering in some form or other. Each home is slightly different. Some have an educational base as well,” Ms McGrath said.

“Two years ago, we decided to also look to provide local support, and chose The SoupBus and The Shower Bus.”