By Cindy McLeish
The need for donations has spiked during the cost-of-living crisis as more and more families doing it tough turn to community charity.
While the need for charity grows, the number of donations to volunteer organisations drops.
At Easter time, we see people make the conscious effort to put their hand in their pocket and give back.
The Royal Children’s Hospital rely heavily on donations, many generously taking part during their Good Friday Appeal.
Similarly, local charities rely on community kindness, funds and time dedicate to volunteering.
I know this can be a real challenge at the best of times.
People are finding it hard to give as we are all feeling the financial pinch.
Despite the struggles, we know the smallest donation can make a positive difference.
Each year I donate Easter Hampers to all the kindergartens in my electorate to raffle.
A lucky family wins the hamper, with all proceeds going to the kindergarten to put towards new equipment, maintenance or projects.
Delivering the hampers is one of my favourite times of year and is a fun, effective way to give back to the community.
We are lucky enough to have some incredible, hardworking volunteer organisations in the Yarra Ranges supporting those in the Yarra Valley and Upper Yarra.
These organisations are in need of non-perishable foods, material aids and financial support donations.
LinC National, based in the Upper Yarra Valley, provide much needed support to vulnerable people.
They have found cost-of-living has significantly impacted the number of people walking through their door. In the past 18 months, there has been an increase from 60 people per week, to a whopping 350 people utilising the Yarra Junction Fresh Start Program.
This is at only one of their five sites.
Healesville Inter-Church Community Care Inc. (HICCI) also continues to do a terrific job across Healesville and Yarra Glen, providing services for community meals, emergency relief and transport, outreach services, and interest-free loans for those in need.
HICCI have reported general donations have dropped by a third to $37,380 compared to last year’s total of $57,772.
This is indicative of how hard people are doing it in the community.
This Easter, I encourage everyone to take the time to volunteer at an organisation or give to those doing it tough via LinC or HICCI.
A small amount goes a long way.
Working together and supporting each other, we can continue to make the Yarra Ranges a great place to live.
Happy Easter!
