By Shelby Brooks
Pakenham Golf Club members have dug deep in the lead up to Christmas, donating children’s toys in a charity drive.
Deep Creek Golf Club organised the drive with help from the John Mc Foundation, with toys to be distributed to Paddy’s Kitchen (St Patricks Parish Pakenham) and the Follow Bless Collective Officer.
Pakenham, Pakenham Central and Pakenham East Probus Clubs also raised donations.
Deep Creek Golf Club function manager Kelly O’Shea said the drive began mid-November as the club returned from lockdown.
“It’s more about wanting to put a smile on someone’s face especially after the crazy two years we’ve had,“ she said.
Herbie O’Flynn, an organiser of Paddy’s Kitchen, recognised the need to support others during the festive season.
He said Paddy’s Kitchen’s weekly meals, run Sundays 3-4pm on Eagle Drive in Pakenham, was always welcome to any person or family in need.
He was looking forward to handing out the toys to families in need.
Leanne Griffiths of the Follow Bless Collective said the number of people she had seen in need had doubled over the Christmas period.
“We have lots of families contacting us saying they can’t afford toys or a special dinner this Christmas,“ she said.
“These toys will help. They may be given from the parents or even from Santa.
“We feel blessed to be considered for the drive.“
