Anglicare Goulburn is calling for donations of food and toiletries through their Pantry Appeal which helps disadvantaged people needing assistance through their emergency relief and homelessness and housing services.
Since the end of the COVID supplement and the easing of moratoriums to assist renters, many disadvantaged families are further struggling to make ends meet.
Anglicare’s Regional Manager of Housing and Social Services, Toni Reay, has found there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people approaching the organisation for help in the past month, and she expects this to increase in the winter months. “It’s quite heartbreaking to see so many families approaching us for help. We’re filling up our supplies at our office with food, toiletries, basic clothing and manchester, but finding that it doesn’t last more than a couple of weeks. We estimate that over 80 people are assisted through our crisis services in Goulburn each week,” says Ms Reay.
She is calling on the Goulburn community to consider donating non-perishable food, toiletries and other household items that might assist people needing help.
“The people we assist come from many backgrounds; some are leaving domestic violence situations, others are just trying to pay for things like unexpected heating bills and need help with groceries to make ends meet,” says Ms Reay. “Any donations of new items to our Pantry Appeal would be gratefully received and would make a real difference for families who are just trying to keep a roof over their heads or food in the cupboards.”
Local businesses, Dream Admin and First National Real Estate, have supported the Pantry Appeal for several years, and the staff enjoy being able to give back to the community in such a practical way.
Marnie Wragg-Morley is Dream Admin’s Digital Marketing Manager, and is she is passionate about supporting the Pantry Appeal.
“The Dream Team care deeply about the Goulburn community and the Anglicare Pantry appeal has become our key charity focus each winter. We have found that our clients and the wider community are happy to help with this cause and we have loved being a drop off point. Getting to know Toni and seeing firsthand how Anglicare help those in need, has been a wonderful learning experience, and we look forward to helping for many years to come,” said Ms Wragg-Morley.
First National’s office manage, Heidi McEntee, is also pleased to support the appeal.
“All of our team members are very passionate about this cause and are more than supportive of Anglicare and this very real issue we have of local families within our community not being able to feed their families due to financial pressure. As a team we are committed to our community and everyone in it and feel that we can assist in raising awareness through our social media channels and remind people that sadly this issue is very real and right under our noses every day. All we are asking is that people purchase one or two extra items when doing their weekly shop and drop it into our office by 30 June. We will ensure that it is dropped off to Anglicare,” said Ms McEntee.
Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman MP, is also putting her support behind the Pantry Appeal through the donation of non-perishable items sourced via Good360 this week.
“Simon, Toni and the team at Anglicare are providing vital support through the Homelessness and Housing service in Goulburn and surrounds – I’m delighted to offer any assistance I can” said Mrs Tuckerman.
“Anglicare’s Pantry Appeal is a practical way for the community to contribute help to local families accessing Anglicare’s service. Emergency food and toiletries can make a big impact for families overcoming crisis.”
Donations can be dropped off at First National Real Estate, Dream Admin or directly to Anglicare’s office at 130 Cowper Street in Goulburn. To arrange pickups for larger amounts of donations, please call the Anglicare office on 4823 4000.
For more information about Anglicare’s services, visit www.anglicare.com.au
