By REBECCA BILLS
EMERALD organisations are coming together to lend a hand to community members in need.
The Emerald Co-op, in conjunction with Barry Plant and the Emerald Community House, has co-ordinated the Dig In food drive to be used in the distribution of Christmas hampers and assist the Dandenong Ranges Feeding Group (DRFG) over its busiest period.
Staff at Barry Plant Emerald jumped at the opportunity to help after being told of the need for more non-perishable items.
Spokesperson for Barry Plant Emerald Verica Crcic said there are more than 40 struggling families in the community who often have to travel off the mountain to get food assistance.
“As they are struggling financially there is then the added pressure of transport to the nearest food bank, which can vary from Belgrave to Pakenham and Dandenong,” she said.
“The CEO of the Emerald Co-op Len O’Donnell was concerned by this and wanted to take action.
“Len was moved when the staff (at Barry Plant) took it to another level by donating their own money to put towards purchasing more non-perishable foods and goods such as beans, sauces, pastas, biscuits and nappies.”
Michelle Perera from Emerald Community House said the community house and Barry Plant have been working in partnership to raise donations for the food drive – an initiative that started in October and will be continuing through to mid-December.
“All donations will be used for Christmas hampers for local churches and Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (DRERS) and the DRFG that feed the emergency services during emergency events,” she said.
“Barry Plant has been a leader in the community partnerships and this is another example of their commitment to the wellbeing of people in the hills area.”
Emerald Woolworth’s and IGA have also got on board with the food drive by donating non-perishable goods and delivering them to the Barry Plant office late last month.
Non-perishable food items can be donated at the Barry Plant Emerald office by Friday 6 December during office hours or at the stand at the Emerald Twilight Market that night.
The Barry Plant Emerald office is at 321 Main Street, Emerald.
For more information, call the Emerald office on 5968 4522.
