By Alesha Capone
Anyone in need of assistance can visit the Birdcage Community Store, which is helping hundreds of Wyndham residents doing it tough every week.
The store, which is based at the Wyndham Park Community Centre in Werribee, was established during the first pandemic lockdown last year after centre manager Greg Ferrington noticed a “big need” in the community for such a service.
Birdcage volunteers collect donated food and goods from sponsors including Foodbank Australia, OzHarvest Australia and Baker’s Delight every week.
They also help to set up, run and pack down the store every Thursday.
The community store co-ordinator Christine Mackaness said that the site was usually organised so that people could come in and choose the food and goods they wanted to take away.
However, during lockdown, volunteers have been packing boxes for pick-up at staggered times.
Mrs Mackaness said that just before Christmas, the community store was assisting about 70 people per week.
Nowadays, the store has between 115 to 120 visitors every week.
“The great thing is, we don’t ask any questions – you don’t need to produce a healthcare card or Medicare card, if anyone needs help we will give it to them,” Mrs Mackaness said.
“We have people come through for the first time and they break down and cry, they are so overwhelmed and grateful.”
The United Sikhs help out the Birdcage Community Store by cooking about 400 meals per fortnight to pass on to people in need.
Mrs Mackaness said the store also gives the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency about 20 boxes and 120 meals every week for parents.
It aids families from Wyndham Park Primary School with meals too.
Mrs Mackaness said the store runs between 9.30am-noon most Thursdays, and that people line up from 8.15am, often socialising while they wait.
She said people from all walks of life and cultures came to the community store, including refugees, women leaving family violence and single men living in rooming houses.
Mrs Mackaness, who first became involved in the Birdcage by donating food through the Country Women’s Association, said her fellow CWA members often baked cakes and scones for the store to give people in need.
“We’re always grateful for any donations,” she said.
Items such as food, toilet paper, nappy wipes, baby formula and toiletries can be donated.
Volunteers are also needed at the store, contact 8742 3975, email admin@wyndhamparkcc.com.au or see www.facebook.com/wyndhamparkcc.com.au/ or wyndhamparkcc.com.au/ for details.
