Drive to feed crisis families

The 4Cs Cheryl Daly and Parklea's sales manager Jarrod Mills. 157378 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS.

By Alana Mitchelson

GENEROUS Cardinia residents donated a total 330 kilograms of food to Parklea’s Food Drive to bring comfort to families in crisis this winter.
The food drive, in collaboration with the 4Cs, accepted donations of non-perishable goods such as long-life milk, cereal and canned food up throughout the season, with a collection points set up at Arena Shopping Centre and Timbertop Estate.
4Cs general manager Cheryl Daly said she was overwhelmed by the community support for their cause.
“Over the winter period many families have been doing it tough and have needed an extra hand to get them through,” Ms Daly said.
“With over 300 families accessing our food room service each month, these items have made a wonderful contribution.
“Thank you to everyone who willingly donated items for the food drive.”
In one year the Pakenham-based charity has donated more than 500 tonnes of food.
It also provides shelter, counselling, life skills and financial relief to help families get back on their feet.
“As our community continues to grow and expand, there is an increased need to reach out and help others,” Parklea’s Jarod Mills said.
“As we’ve seen with the food drive, the community has great power in numbers to make a difference.”
Parklea has previously worked with the charity on initiatives such as the Share Your Christmas appeal where residents donated Christmas gifts to less fortunate children.
For more information, visit www.parklea.com/winterfooddrive.