The Andrews Labor Government is helping make sure Victorians most in need will have a Merry Christmas.
Minister for Housing Richard Wynne today attended St Mary’s House of Welcome for their annual Christmas food drive, to help staff and volunteers process donations and food deliveries, and pack Christmas hampers.
Over the Christmas period, the service is distributing over 950 hampers full of basic staples and Christmas treats to Victorians who have done it particularly tough this year.
During his visit the Minister presented St Mary’s a $20,000 grant from the Labor Government to help the organisation continue to provide Victorians in need with essential items like food and toiletries, essential services such as haircuts and health information and advice.
This year has been especially tough on people experiencing disadvantage, and this grant will help St Mary’s continue their important work.
St Mary’s has been serving the Fitzroy community since the 1960s and despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, they’ve continued to provide hope and help to many.
Throughout the pandemic, and with COVIDSafe outreach measures in place, St Mary’s distributed about 4,500 meals each week, over 700 relief meals and wellbeing packs for those in temporary accommodation and provided emergency hampers and referrals.
St Mary’s House of Welcome provides essential services and support to people experiencing homelessness, social disadvantage and severe and persistent mental health issues.
In the past financial year St Mary’s provided 81,174 meals, 17,467 support sessions with qualified community workers, and 550 social inclusion activities such as art and craft, gardening, fishing and wellbeing groups. They also provided showering facilities, toiletries and fresh clothing for thousands of Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Richard Wynne
“I’ve visited St Mary’s House of Welcome for their Big Give for around 20 years, and while this year’s event looks a little different, their outstanding work in supporting vulnerable people remains a constant.”
“I’m proud to be part of a Labor Government that is supporting the ongoing work of St Mary’s House of Welcome as they continue to ensure Melbourne’s most marginalised won’t go without this festive season.”
Reviewed 24 December 2020