A victory for can-do spirit

Lin Calver. Photo by Damjan Janevski.

A simple challenge is having a huge ripple effect on those in need.

Point Cook Lions has rallied the local community to donate one non-perishable item of food a week for 15 weeks as part of its second annual 15 Can Challenge.

Members have packed more than 100 hampers to give out to families struggling this Christmas.

Secretary Lin Calver, pictured, said the club had been overwhelmed by support, with residents, community groups, the local Business Network International chapter, Stella Maris Catholic Primary School and Wyndham Vale Primary School all chipping in.

She said many of the hampers had already been distributed, going out to migrants, single-parent families, domestic violence victims and Genevieve’s Community Kitchen.

“The community have been outstandingly generous,” she said.

“There’s a very, very broad range of people that [the hampers] have gone out to. We really want to try and give a hand-up to these people.”

Ms Calver said that in addition to the non-perishable items, the packages also included cheeky indulgences – such as chocolate, lollies and toys – to make Christmas that bit brighter for their recipients.