455 Princes Highway Bairnsdale is a place full of opportunity. It is known for the Gems ‘n Jams Opportunity Centre, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Furniture and the ADRA Food Program.
Each Monday food is provided for people in need.
Fruit and vegetables and some non-perishable items have been collected earlier from supermarkets like ALDI and Coles and delivered by Food Bank.
Picnic Point Orchard donates fruit, Bonaccord supplies food at reduced prices and ADRA buys other necessary items.
“Presently there are 69 volunteers who donate their time to the community through ADRA,” local Seventh Day Adventist church minister, Rian van Deventer, said.
“Some work in the ADRA Furniture shop where pre-loved items are sold to raise funds.
“Some are involved with Smile a While Cafeteria, where morning tea is served on Mondays and friendships develop.
“Other volunteers assist clients to get their food from the Food Bank Room.”
The amount of food for each client varies according to need.
“About 70 plus people come through each Monday, so when one considers family members too, around 90 or more people are being helped,” Rian said.
“There are 30 families in Bairnsdale, Eagle Point and Lakes Entrance who cannot get to ADRA, so volunteers deliver their food parcels each week.
“East Gippsland in the past has suffered drought, fires, floods, a COVID-19 epidemic and now, an alarming rise in the cost of living.
“This intensifies ADRA’s work.
“ADRA has been here since early this century, helping people practically, financially and socially.
“People were referred by Centrelink, social workers or other agencies. Perhaps they needed furniture and household goods after loss due to fire or flood. Maybe they had to move because of family violence. Many different needs were met, as they still are.”
One of the volunteer leaders recalled a family who wrote an appreciation letter to ADRA.
“They told her how, when they lost their home, they were advised to contact ADRA,” Rian said.
“They spoke to this volunteer, who provided a listening ear, emotional support and practical assistance.
“During their recovery ADRA provided ongoing food support, which meant they didn’t have to worry about the basics.
“That took some pressure off them, for which they were very grateful. COVID increased all needs. ADRA assisted the local council with their community support program throughout the epidemic.
“Gems n Jams stayed open due to having food and being large enough for safe social distancing.”
Rian said the Food Bank couldn’t exist without volunteers, some who were once recipients themselves give their valuable time.
Now there is a unique opportunity to further develop the program.
“A Food Bank requires plenty of storage space,” he said.
“Presently non-perishables are in several containers around the property, but they cannot hold all that is needed.
“A while ago it became clear a purpose designed Food Shed is necessary for all the goods and to serve clients.
“ADRA has raised more than $86,000, but more is needed to reach the goal of $150,000.
“Donations of cash will be appreciated. Local contractors will be employed when the shed is built.
“It would be grand if some builders, electricians and other tradespeople would donate their time working on the project.
“Many people are already involved here. Now it’s your opportunity to join us.”
Donations can be made directly to ADRA Australia.
IMAGE: Seventh Day Adventist Food Bank volunteer, Alan Walker, is hopeful community fundraising will help Adventist Development and Relief Agency build a Food Shed for its Food Bank program. (PS)
