By Jessica Anstice
As the coronavirus pandemic lockdown takes its toll on community members, a Pakenham resident has invented an interesting way to help those doing it tough.
Cardinia Lakes resident Samantha Jane gathered boxes full of old DVDs she had and popped them onto her front lawn for people to collect in exchange for a charity donation.
She chose the organisation Beyond Blue, a mental health and wellbeing support organisation that provides programs to address issues related to depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental illnesses.
“I’ve found with these restrictions, I get the most enjoyment when out for a walk in the sunshine or enjoying a movie at home,” she said.
“Since we are still allowed to exercise I thought it would be a great idea to incorporate both of these things and turn it into a fundraiser for Beyond Blue.“Mental health is such a big issue and is heightened during Covid, plus it has always been something I am passionate about.”
Boxes of DVDs were placed out the front of her Cardinia Lakes home on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September.
In return for a donation of any amount to Beyond Blue, community members who passed by were welcome to take as many DVDs as they wished.
“It was contact free and I had sanitiser available outside for people to use before flicking through the assortment of DVDs,” she added.
“I only ran it over those two days as I thought that would be when most people would spend time going out for walks and attract the most attention.
“I also only advertised in my estate’s Facebook page as I was conscious about the five kilometre rule and didn’t want anyone breaking restrictions.”
After just two days of running the fundraiser and with support from the community, Ms Jane has managed to successfully raise more than $150 for Beyond Blue.
“It has been amazing to see everyone supporting such a fantastic cause and really made me think what else we could be doing to support each other during these times,” she said.
“If we all did a little we could make a big difference.”
