The Feed a Family Project delivered a record number of hampers to those in need at Manor Lakes Community Centre on Monday, December 9.
Following several months collecting donations, 31 food hampers, 20 toiletry packages and 21 bundles of toys are expected to reach between 35-45 families in Wyndham.
Founder Julie McDonald, who has been running the project for three years, said she was blown away by the community’s generosity.
“I was so overwhelmed with the response from the community, I was truly touched,” she said.
“This started out as a project after noticing people financially struggling within the community especially during the festive season.”
The mission of one has become the mission of many, with the gift of giving proving contagious in Wyndham.
“My passion has turned into a passion with a troop of helpers I have throughout the year,” Ms McDonald said.
For many donors and volunteers this year, Feed a Family Project has a deeper meaning.
“They were once recipients of hampers like this throughout their childhood, that’s how they had a Christmas meal,” Ms McDonald said.
“Now they are in a financial position to help, they are so grateful to be able to pay it forward.”
After another successful year, Ms McDonald said there are no signs of slowing down.
“We plan to continue the tradition and it will be our fourth year,” she said.
“I had to build shelves in my garage to store everything like a mini supermarket– we start collecting in September.”
Jaidyn Kennedy
