Every can counts for hungry and homeless

Keysborough is rallying to feed those in need.
The Keysborough Resident’s Page on Facebook is behind the first Keysborough Food Drive on Sunday 25 September.
Donations will go to Foodbank Victoria.
“A basic meal three times a day is a necessity a lot of Australians can’t afford,” organiser Ben Nguyen said.
The Barry Plant real estate agent said that 105,000 people in Australia were homeless and 2.2 million Australians lived in poverty.
“It’s really easy to get involved,” he said.
“Now is the time to empty the back of your pantry, or perhaps add few extra items to your grocery list.
“Whether it’s one can or 100 cans you can be sure that your donation will end up on the plates of those who need it most.”
Mr Nguyen said the Facebook page had attracted about 3000 followers since he started it two years ago.
“I thought I might as well leverage off that and do something positive,” he said.
“I’ve been really surprised by the generosity so far.”
He also pledged in a Facebook post to make a cash donation equal to one hot meal for every like the post received.
At last count more than 430 people had given it the blue thumbs up.
Those who’d like to contribute can drop off a donation to the Barry Plant Keysborough office at 320 Cheltenham Road between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday or 9am and 5pm Saturday.
They can also visit the Facebook event page and register to have their donation picked up from their doorstep on Sunday 25 September.
Mr Nguyen said donations could include canned meals, pasta, rice, evaporated milk, canned vegetables and fruit, cereal, canned soup, and baby food.
Visit www.facebook.com/Keysboroughresidentspage.