By Jessica Anstice
Pakenham’s Follow Bless Collective has received $5000 from the council to continue to support Cardinia residents who are struggling financially and have been affected by the coronavirus.
As part of Cardinia Shire Council’s $1.6 million Community and Business Coronavirus Support Package, local non-for-profit organisations had the opportunity to apply for relief grants.
The $5000 grant will be put towards the cost of the charity’s care packs which are being distributed during the Covid-19 relief and recovery period.
The care packs contain essential non-perishable foods and toiletries and are available for individuals and families who are facing hardship.
“Receiving the grant means that, along with ongoing community donations, Fellow Bless Collective will be able to continue to provide care packs until December to those who are struggling financially and have been affected by Covid-19,” Follow Bless Collective community care manager Leanne Griffiths said.
“People have been affected by Covid-19 in many ways, including loss of work, isolation, an inability to access programs and services.
“The grant will allow essential items to be purchased and provided to people who are currently needing practical support by way of food and toiletries.”
To date, 260 care packs have been distributed to individuals and families across the shire.
The Follow Bless Collective’s mission is to “strengthen the community by providing collective services, programs, support and genuine love to those who are undervalued, isolated and disadvantaged within the Cardinia shire and beyond”.
Its purpose is to care for the underprivileged, isolated and homeless; provide practical support for those in need; help make the community a better place though care, crisis assistance and social connection; collaborate with other organisations and individuals; provide opportunities for community members to serve and contribute to their community; and to redeem and transform gateway areas.
“We would like to thank Cardinia Shire Council for the grant and for their commitment to support disadvantaged and isolated people within our community. We have been significantly blessed by the council and we are extremely grateful for their support,” Ms Griffith said.
“We would also like to thank all the individuals, schools, churches and organisations who have donated essential items, finances and/or have volunteered their time and have made it possible for care packs to be distributed within the community.
“We would also like to give a special thank you to Follow Baptist Church for their significant support.”
For more information about the care packs, donations and updates, contact the Follow Bless Collective at info@bless.org.au or check out their website at bless.org.au.
