Gerald Lynch Care for families in need in Melbourne’s west was given a big boost last week, when the Helping Hands new community pantry was officially opened in Airport West. Helping Hands supports more than 150 local families each day and feeds around 3,000 people experiencing hardship each week. The pantry space was made possible with a $350,000 state government grant.
The organisation works with supermarkets, food banks and local businesses to stock their community pantry. The kitchen is staffed by volunteers who cook healthy $5 lunches and $2 morning and afternoon teas, served at the cafe style Community Dining Room. The op shop which helps to fund Helping Hands aid programs has rows of pre-loved clothing priced at $2, homewares, furniture, records, toys and more on offer at a low cost and located inside it is Gaye’s Vintage Shop – a place to find vintage fashion and a range of preloved homewares.
Helping Hands chief executive Melanie Gill was elated throughout the afternoon, and she expressed her appreciation for all the help people have given to build the organisation. “We want to say a big thank you to everybody who has contributed to our journey, you have helped to ensure the ongoing future of this important community resource,” she said. Carers and Volunteers Minister Ros Spence said organisations such as Helping Hands are the heartbeat of the community in Melbourne’s west.
“We are continuing to invest in organisations like Helping Hands who are support.
