By CASEY NEILL
DANDENONG and District Benevolent Society has received a welcome boost following a heartbreaking theft.
On 24 February the Journal reported that thieves broke into and ransacked the group’s Thomas Street opportunity shop and headquarters, and stole $2000 in food vouchers.
Secretary Barbara Siddall said the store had “a big heavy door at the back that was battered down”.
“People who’ve been calling up, we can’t help them,” she said.
But the volunteer organisation has received “quite a lot of responses” since the break-in, none more generous than the donation from the International Order of Old Bastards (IOOB) last Wednesday.
The group handed over $2000 in food vouchers and another $2000 for the society to bank.
IOOB member Ian Arrell said half the donation was planned and the remainder available thanks to a generous donation from Jeannie Pratt, the guest speaker at their October function.
“She asked what our next project was and we told her our aim was to raise $10,000 for Christmas,” he said.
“She said she would match us dollar for dollar.
“A few weeks ago she came through with the $10,000.”
IOOB raises money through luncheons every two months and has about 300 members.
“We give the money away to people who need help,” he said.
“We just help people who can’t get help anywhere else.”
IOOB gave $1500 in food vouchers to Dandenong and District Benevolent Society last Christmas.
The society gave about $72,000 worth of food away last year, plus other goods.
Fiona Melville, who manages the shop each Thursday, said food vouchers allowed people in need to supplement food parcels with meat and vegetables.
She said the group mainly assisted new immigrants, the homeless and other people who “needed a hand from time to time”.
The group aims to develop sustainable and resilient individuals and communities.
Take donations to 305 Thomas Street, Dandenong, or call 9793 3736.
