Bellarine charity calls for donations to help locals hardest hit

ST Vincent de Paul Bellarine has launched an urgent winter appeal to help locals hit hard by the pandemic.

Drysdale Conference president Margaret Rickards said the organisation was calling for donations of money and non-perishable food.

“Due to the loss of jobs and income, high rental fees and living expenses, many people have been left homeless and many are desperate,” Ms Rickards said.

“Members of our own community on the Bellarine are trying to keep a roof over their heads.

“Some cannot provide food, heating or medication for their children.

“Locally, some women and children are living in their cars or a tent.”

She said St Vincent de Paul Bellarine had rescued people sleeping in toilet blocks, under bridges and in public spaces, even a pregnant women sleeping in her car.”

Ms Rickards announced at the weekend that the generosity of parishioners from St Thomas Parish in Drysdale had been overwhelming, raising $5,500 in cash donations and an amazing amount of food, some of which had already been taken to
their clients.

She said Vinnies had helped pay for people’s rent, their electricity and gas bills, food, clothing for children and adults, housed homeless in temporary accommodation, paid for medication and medical supplies and provided transport for families, some who cannot even get their children to school.

“These are local families and individuals who felt they had security and could provide for themselves and their children, never thinking this would ever happen.”

The area Vinnies supports in their conference stretches from Leopold to Portarlington and areas in between, including Drysdale, Curlewis, Clifton Springs, Indented Head and St Leonards.

Ms Rickards said members were known as volunteers and visited in teams of two as requested from the organisation.

“The clients we see are asked a couple of questions about their circumstances, which is done on a phone triage system, especially now in COVID times,” she said.

“The opportunities to help include food from a locally-stocked pantry, with lots of donations from locals, such as tins of soup, pasta, cereal, personal products, eggs, bread and some food purchased from the regional food bank in Geelong.

“Sometimes the requests will be more difficult, with accommodation support utilities and a friendly ear and voice.”

She said they were not acting as professionals, but did suggest people contact other agencies which were more versed with their issues.

“The role of a volunteer is very satisfying and the clients are very appreciative.”

St Vincent de Paul are a global organisation with beginnings in 1833, don’t receive government support, and manage donations and monies made by the Vinnies stores.

Donations and non-perishable food can be left at Lumen Christi Church, on Sundays from 10am to noon, and on Wednesdays from 10am to 11am.

Phone Margaret Rickards on 0418 544 975 for more details.