Volunteer call out for crucial Ballan service

VOLUNTEER George gets a lot out of giving her time to a food bank in Ballan that helps those in need.

She is one of the type of volunteers that Ballan Neighbourhood House, the home of the food bank, is calling out for to support the program.

“I just enjoy it,” George said. “I just enjoy knowing that this little town has got the community spirit and support to help people through the most difficult of their time and also respects the people and treat them with dignity coming in.”

Since it began last year, the food bank has been providing goods to those facing hardship.

The food bank also offered donated cakes and coffee for customers to enjoy while taking what is for many a vital opportunity to engage.

George said customers went into the goods area one at a time.

“They can go in privately,” she said. “Get what they need, and what we have in there to accommodate them, to come back out and have a coffee and a cake.

“We have people that come in at 10.30 and they’ll stay until 12.30 just so that they’re communicating and socialising with people.

“We have a couple of couples come in, elderly couples, that don’t need the food bank, but they come in for a cuppa and something to eat just to socialise with other people, because sometimes this is the only contact people have.”

She said some customers even helped at the food bank as their way of contributing to the service.

Lesley Bird, program and marketing administrator at Ballan Neighbourhood House, said volunteers were needed for the crucial program to run.

“It’s important that we have the volunteers because it’s a very important role, the food bank,” she said. “We need people to help because if we don’t have the volunteers, we can’t do the food bank.”

The centre needs all types of volunteers.

Albert Meadows had helped the centre by bringing items to the food bank.

“I just like helping out the community,” he said. “Helping out when I can.”

Ruby Glew, community development coordinator at Ballan Neighbourhood House, said they were also in need of more board members.

“It’s being involved in your community and it’s an opportunity to have a say and it’s an opportunity to support community and use your skills for the benefit of others outside of your professional careers,” she said.

The food bank is open on Thursdays, 10.30am to 12.30pm.

More information about the food bank and volunteering is at ballanneighbourhoodhouse.com.au