Alocal club has made a significant donation to a Limestone Coast not for profit organisation which is experiencing increasing demand due to the rising cost of living.
The Longriders Motorcycle Club Australia Mount Gambier Chapter donated $4000 to Foodbank SA Limestone Coast which will be used to purchase much needed pantry staples.
The local agency provided 500,000 meals to those in need in the Limestone Coast region in the last 12 months, which was a significant increase from the previous year.
Foodbank SA Limestone Coast branch manager Lynne Neshoda said donations were used for purchasing extra food needed due to the current economic climate.
“We can turn $4000 into 8000 meals which is really good for our community, the beauty of donating locally is the food stays in our region,” she said.
“Groups like the Longriders Motorcycle Club donating funds to Foodbank is fantastic and we really appreciate their support.
“We have a huge need at the moment due to the rising cost of living mainly and so we are purchasing much more food to meet demand and these donations go directly to procuring food.
“We have seen a huge increase right across the board, our hubs are busier and our school breakfast and lunch programs’ need is ever increasing as more families struggle to put food on the table.
“We find it easier with funds donated because we can purchase what we need, but we are still not going to say no when people donate food as well, any non-perishable item is greatly received.”
Longriders Motorcycle Club Australia Mount Gambier Chapter Secretary John Bruttomesso said the club’s donation was raised through the 2023 Blue Lake City Custom/Classic Car and Bike Show held in October.
“We recognise the work that Foodbank does here locally and we wanted the funds to help local charities and stay local rather than be absorbed by corporate administration,” he said.
“While we have not supported Foodbank before, we like to support charities that help our local community and hope to continue to support them in the future.
“We know Foodbank assistance will help feed many of the struggling community.”
Mrs Neshoda said the sad reality is it is going to get worse before it gets better, but when families and individuals are struggling, Foodbank will be there to provide help to ensure no one goes hungry.
“Whatever is donated all goes back into our community to feed our local people,” she said.
“At Christmas time we delivered a record amount of Christmas Hampers into the community and now with back to school, it is another record distribution.
“The schools are crying out for food to help feed the kids that have recently returned from school holidays.
“Definitely up to Christmas we had a lot more people donating and we always say our community is very generous and we are very lucky to have the support we have but we just need more to meet this ever-increasing demand.
“If anyone is thinking about donating funds, it is tax deductible and we urge anyone that can help in any way with funds or food to get in touch with us.”
People in need of assistance can contact Foodbank SA Limestone Coast on 8723 0287 to find out how to access their services.
