DONATE SWEETS THIS Christmas

Christmas for many is a time to eat drink and be merry but for some it’s a period of financial pressure and that’s where Torquay Food Aid (TFA) comes in.

For local families and individuals in need, the team at TFA provide a food collection service every Wednesday between 1pm and 3pm; this festive season they’re asking the community to donate Christmas treats.

“People stopped giving us Christmas treats and were just donating ‘normal’ food. We found we were having to buy the special treats ourselves,” TFA volunteer Lois Gill said.

“That’s not what we collect money for. We still wanted to give them treats, so last year we had to buy the lollies and all sorts of things. People donating often think it’s better to just give us ordinary food.

“We got probably 100 tins of baked beans and 100 of soup, far more than we can cope with. In winter time that’s fine, but at this time of year we’re specifically looking for treats as we expect to pack maybe 50/60 if not 80 bags for our clients.”

On December 19 the team run a Christmas collection during their usual time slot 1-3pm at their permanent premises operating out of Barwon Health (located at 100 Surfcoast Hwy).

“We’re expecting 65 people to come in. Around midday we (volunteers) will come in at midday and spend an hour sorting out donations. If other people turn up for collection on the day, they’ll have to wait until all our registered clients have received their items,” Mrs Gill said.

“No one will be getting normal food on that day, they’re coming to get the special stuff. We’re putting in cake and custard then all the treats in a second bag.”

The TFA will commence collections again in the new year from January 9 and Mrs Gill said they really want to reach the Torquay families and individuals that are doing it tough.

“We want the community to know that this service is here, we want to tap into the people who are struggling for food once or twice a month after a big bill comes.

“If they need a bit of food that week they’re welcome to come. We get their details, but we don’t judge anyone. It’s a pride thing, our regular’s que from 12pm waiting for 1pm but if you come after 2pm often there are no lines.

“We get the Second Bite truck deliveries; Baker’s Delight are always generous, we collect the bread from there. We’re always accepting of monetary or non-perishable food donations.”

If you have an abundance of chocolates or Christmas delicacies and treats this year, or you would like to do something kind for those less fortunate drop your goods off to Ryan’s SUPA IGA, or the Spring Creek Community House alternatively the local churches.

You can access TFA through the carport at rear of Medical Centre carpark.