One man can make a difference

Phillip McDonald, founder of a non-profit organisation called Feeding Families. (Joe Mastroianni). 227304_02

By Alesha Capone

Phillip McDonald is on a mission to help as many people as possible.

The Wyndham resident is the founder of non-profit organisation Feeding Families, which purchase food, clothes, furniture and toys for residents doing it tough during the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

He also helped to fund funerals for people who lost loved ones to coronavirus.

Every month Mr McDonald hosts a barbecue at the Werribee South beach, for anyone who would like to enjoy time with friends or family without worrying about providing food or drinks.

He said Feeding Families has also established community cupboards in Diggers Road, Werribee South; Saltwater Avenue, Point Cook; Lahy Street, St Albans and at 17 Railway Crescent, Broadmeadows.

The group has even set up a community cupboard in a street of Wilsonton, near Toowoomba in Queensland.

The cupboards supply donated food and other goods to people in need.

“You contact the cupboard holder for St Albans, Broadmeadows and Toowoomba by appointment,” Mr McDonald said.

“The other ones you just come help yourself to whatever you need.

“If people have any donations they are welcome to leave in the community cupboard.”

Mr McDonald said that he organised most of the Feeding Families activities, but that some volunteers from the community help out when they can.

While some donations assist with items such as gift cards, Mr McDonald usually uses his own money to fund his charitable deeds.

“What I personally enjoy is knowing that as many people and families are able to eat and get the help they need without any questions or forms to fill out,” he said.

Mr McDonald said he was seeking sponsors who could support Feeding Families with financial donations, and donations of food, clothes and other goods.

Contact Mr McDonald at phillipm74@gmail.com or on 0411 792 568, or see www.facebook.com/groups/feeding.families.australia for details.