In the wake of increased demand, an Illawarra food rescue charity has issued an urgent call-out for volunteers to ensure its survival.
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The Warilla-based DENNY Foundation will mark ten years of operation this November.
Organisation co-founder Margaret Purcell and late husband John founded the not-for-profit organisation and named it after their youngest son, Dennis ‘Denny’ Purcell.
Denny took his own life, aged 25, after battling chronic endogenous depression.
A key part of the organisation’s operations is their food co-op, whereby they ‘rescue’ food from retailers and redistribute the items to help those in need.
Mrs Purcell said the foundation urgently requires people who are willing to volunteer their time and skills; not to give a “hand out” to others, but rather a “hand up” for the less fortunate.
Mrs Purcell said they were in “desperate” need of help, otherwise the charity could be at risk of closure.
“It’s not a financial situation; it’s needing volunteers to be able to do what we do,” she said.
“We’re currently lacking in volunteers, and our food (to distribute) has increased.
“Also, the number of families (they assist) has increased with the closure of the Illawarra Food Hub.
“We’ve had to take on extra stores like a couple of Woolworths’ to help us meet the clientele base that we currently have coming through.
“We try to treat the families with respect and dignity. We’ve got families that are losing jobs all over the place… We’re helping them put food on the table so we can help them through their situation.”
Drivers are needed as the food available from local supermarkets is collected six mornings a week by a team of volunteers driving provided refrigerated trucks.
“If you can commit to approximately five hours a week (two mornings commencing at 8am), have a Class ‘C’ driver’s license and a clean driving record you could be a valuable team member who enables the food to be made available for the next team to process,” executive office co-ordinator Sonya Potts said.
“It takes about 40 people each Tuesday and Friday as the food is sorted, repackaged, and then packs are made for the pre-registered clients to collect.
“Volunteers are needed to assist in all areas - from helping to check the food stock received to supervising the cleaning of the areas used by the personnel.”
Office personnel are also needed to keep the entire charity functioning.
Their present volunteer team ranges in age from university students to pensioners.
If you can help, phone 4297 2220.