Christmas spirit is alive and well in the Macedon Ranges.
It’s an expensive moment for everyone and the Kyneton Foodbank has ensured everyone can open a present and have a feast on December 25.
Foodbank manager, Rhonda Holmes, said people shouldn’t feel shame about using the service.
“Our kitchen is floor-to-ceiling with presents,” Ms Holmes said.
“Anyone can come get it until Friday.”
Food Bank Australia’s latest report indicated one in three Australian households, nearly 3.5 million, experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months.
Last week, The Guardian reported lawyers were using foodbank services across the country. The foodbank isn’t a service relegated to the poor; everyone is facing cost burdens.
Did the garage door just break? Mortgage repayment crept up too soon? Is there a strangely high gas bill or car rego reminder? Add in the cost-of-living crises and food is increasing faster than our wages. At the supermarket, 700g of shredded, home brand cheese is $9.50; a 560g jar of Vegemite is $9.90. The grocery bill adds up quickly, even if you take up the various stores’ savings promotions.
So, when the foodbank team decided they wanted to ensure everyone in the Macedon Ranges has a cooked bird on the table, and everyone of any age has a present to open, they sought a helping hand from the community. It responded with generosity.
Carlsruhe Caltex was quick to jump on board, and according to store manager, Sharlene Witmitz, the community was quick to donate.
“I want to give gifts to people who can’t afford it at Christmas,” Ms Witmitz said. “The staff and the community have got really involved and donated gifts at the petrol station.”
Others followed suit.
Ray White in Kyneton donated $5000 to assist in producing Christmas hampers.
Kyneton Toyota provided a car to drop off gifts; Outland gym owners Sarah Turner and James Pitkin put a Christmas tree up at their store and members dropped off presents before a work out; Country Women Association supplied all the shortbread.
And it’s all available to the Macedon Ranges residents. If you need anything, head to the op shop at 60 Mollison St, Kyneton. Around the back, there’s a door that you can knock on.
