By PETER DOUGLAS
DRAWING on the concept of ‘Backyard Blitz’, the Mount Evelyn-based Discovery Community Care ‘blitzed’ Lilydale High School last weekend and completed an incredible make-over.
As part of its annual initiative, Discovery Community Care on Saturday organised more than 200 volunteers to provide the school with some new infrastructure and a freshen-up.
The organisation is part of the Mount Evelyn-based Discovery Church.
At no charge to the school, the work included a new seating area, fence maintenance, gardening, mulching, painting and general tidying.
Manager of Discovery Community Care, Sue Colverson, said it was incredible to see the support this initiative now received.
“We started with about 70 volunteers and it has now grown to over 200 volunteers,” she said.
“So we need spaces that can accommodate such large groups.”
Ms Colverson said the blitz initiative seemed to have struck a chord.
“I think people are genuinely interested in helping their community,” she said.
“It’s a chance to make a big difference.
“And because it’s only one Saturday in their year, it’s not such a big commitment.
“Our overall aim is to have a great day and leave the place in better shape than when we arrived.”
Previous beneficiaries of the blitz have included the Yarra Hills Secondary College and Mount Evelyn Special Development School.
During the day, volunteers enjoyed morning and afternoon tea.
However, volunteers were not required to work the entire 8pm-4pm blitz time, but could roll through the day.
Ms Colverson estimated the work was worth up to $60,000 in labor and equipment, with many items such as tip-trucks and front-end loaders being used on the day.
Much of this equipment, plus materials, have been either donated or obtained at a discount.
Also involved in the day are Rotary members and other community-minded groups.
