Rotary donation a ray of sunshine

A CHARITY which distributes baby and children’s items has received a five-thousand-dollar donation from Bendigo and Bendigo South Rotary clubs.  

Founder and director of Sunshine Bendigo, Glenda Serpell, said the funds have been used to purchase essential items currently in high demand. 

“It went towards filling the gaps for some of the baby needs that we have, like car seats, prams, and cots, and other baby essentials like baby towels and sterilisers,” she said. 

During 2023, Ms Serpell said Sunshine Bendigo assisted 2500 children with donations of 6000 items estimated at a total value of $600,000 and diverted about 28,000 kilograms of goods from going to landfill. 

She said more and more people have been seeking the organisation’s support. 

“We’ve only been open for two weeks of January and we’ve already helped 113 children and distributed 312 goods, so this year is already super busy,” said Ms Serpell. 

“Everybody is struggling and there’s just a lot of need in the community. We’re busier now than ever.” 

The funding was raised by the Rotary clubs from items sold at their Christmas Market in Mandurang in November last year. 

President of the Rotary Club of Bendigo, Daniela Ionescu, said she believes knowing what they were supporting and sharing that with the public helped them gain stronger financial support than ever for this particular annual event.  

“They’re doing a great job by the fact that they’re providing families in need with baby and kids’ goods, that otherwise some of them would go to the landfill,” said Ms Ionescu. 

Sunshine Bendigo has partnerships with about 40 other organisations in Greater Bendigo and surrounding regions.