By CAMERON LUCADOUWELLS
THEY’RE certainly not a bad group of ‘old bastards’.
In fact, the self-titled International Order of Old Bastards (IOOB) are something closer to saviours this Christmas.
Last week, the Melbourne-based charity delivered a truckload of new toys as well as $1500 of food vouchers to Dandenong Benevolent Society – which has been swamped by families in need of Christmas cheer.
IOOB member Ian Arrell, a former Dandenong CIB detective, said the order was giving away $20,000 of Christmas food vouchers to several charities in Melbourne, including the benevolent society and Dandenong Community Advisory Bureau.
The charity raises money from about 200 luncheons involving 300 members from all walks of life. This year, it had given away $40,000 to help out families – by individual request – in tough circumstances to buy necessities such as a wheelchair or a calculator.
Benevolent society co-ordinator Margaret Ladner said the IOOB “saves my life every year”.
“They bring in so much stuff and it means we can help so many people.
“If anyone comes in and they say they don’t have a toy for their child for Christmas, we help them.”
She said some parents were reduced to tears out of gratitude for a simple soft-toy gift.
As of last week, the society had prepared 400 Christmas hampers of cake, pudding and enough food to sustain a family into the new year. Ms Ladner was expecting to need 200 more up till Christmas.
Ms Ladner said more funds were needed to help growing numbers of asylum-seeker families and people affected by mental illness.
Donations of cash, quality toys and tinned food are welcome.
