A BENDIGO man has acted as the catalyst for a nationwide support initiative between Woolworths, Federal MPs and community organisations.<\/p>\n
Max Blume is the coordinator of Uniting Emergency Relief in Kangaroo Flat, and after approaching local Federal member Lisa Chesters for help with the organisation\u2019s toy drive, his call has been answered across the country.<\/p>\n
Woolworths will now donate 150 vouchers worth $250 each to an organisation nominated by a Federal MP.<\/p>\n
Last month Uniting put the call out for donations to their annual toy drive and, in the first year heading the operation alone since the shutdown of the Forest Street facility, Mr Blume said he\u2019d been blown away by the community\u2019s generosity.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve never seen support like this, especially with the coronavirus around. It\u2019s been absolutely magnificent. I couldn\u2019t say enough about the people of Bendigo and what they\u2019ve done,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
With donations coming from as far as Wycheproof, Mr Blume said he was incredibly proud of his staff who provide critical support to families and people in need.<\/p>\n
Customer service manager at Woolworths in Lansell Plaza Michelle Olsson said she\u2019d seen customers doing it tough in the lead up to Christmas and felt good handing over the voucher.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of families that have really struggled this year with the ongoing COVID situation and at this time of year families want to create great memories with their little children,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really good for us to be involved in the community and people can see we\u2019re part of it and willing to help out when we can.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Chesters said she nominated the local Uniting branch as the money could be put towards the toy drive or their community pantry.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s exciting that the idea actually came from Max and he\u2019s had an influence on the whole country,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A BENDIGO man has acted as the catalyst for a nationwide support initiative between Woolworths, Federal MPs and community organisations. Max Blume is the coordinator of Uniting Emergency Relief in Kangaroo Flat, and after approaching local Federal member Lisa Chesters for help with the organisation\u2019s toy drive, his call has been answered across the country. […]<\/p>\n