By CASEY NEILL
Dandenong Benevolent Society is calling for blankets to warm Greater Dandenong residents who are shivering through winter.
“They’re freezing,” manager Margaret Ladner said.
“I went to the market and bought some blankets. I can’t really afford to keep doing that.”
She’s been with the group for more than 35 years, and still marvels at the community’s ability to give.
“The generosity is unbelievable. That’s what’s keeping this shop going,” she said.
“When you help somebody, and you see them crying when they come in and they’re smiling when they go out … that’s what keeps me doing what I do.
“I feel so honoured to be able to do it.
“Not everybody gets the chance I get to help so many people.”
Ms Ladner said that for the first time in 30-plus years, the society last year missed out on a $58,000 Federal Government Department of Social Services (DSS) emergency funding grant.
She still does her best to provide food vouchers, toys and a variety of other support to about 150 people each week.
“This benevolent society’s been going for 60 years,’ she said.
“I’ve got a great bunch of volunteers here. We’ll keep going until there’s nothing left.”
Ms Ladner said the society’s support had helped people to stay out of jail and often helped people escape from family violence.
She recently arranged for a tennis-mad 9-year-old boy to receive lessons in the sport.
He’d previously played in his backyard with an old racquet and ball.
“Who knows, he might be an Olympic tennis player,” Ms Ladner said.
“They were so rapt. You couldn’t wipe the smile off his face for a week.”
Anyone with a blanket to spare can drop it off to the shop.
“If they can’t manage, I can send somebody to pick them up,” Ms Ladner said.
The Dandenong District Benevolent Society is at 305 Thomas Street, Dandenong, and can be contacted on 9793 3736.
