By Narelle Coulter
Dandenong South charity Avocare will handle approximately 80,000 kilograms of extra fresh food a month after entering into a new partnership with food relief charity Second Bite.
The announcement was made at a networking breakfast held at Avocare’s Zilla Court warehouse on Friday 11 August.
The Mad Hatter’s themed breakfast was organised by Work for the Dole participants to thank Avocare’s many community partners and sponsors.
Avocare is one of the largest job training providers in the city. At any one time 100 people are involved in its many Work for the Dole training programs.
Avocare also supports 100 charities with food relief in partnership with Foodbank, Victoria’s largest and oldest food relief organisation.
A massive 1.26 mega tonnes of rescued food passed through Avocare’s warehouse last year.
CEO of Foodbank Victoria Dave McNamara said he enjoyed working with Avocare founder Trish Keilty and her team as they shared his organisation’s respect for the dignity of those who receive food.
“Trish is someone whose heart is similar to mine. She is passionate about people and the community,” Mr McNamara said.
“The number of people she has helped is incredible.
“If you want a safe happy community you need to support Trish and her team. Food is a basic human right. Trish is making sure the Dandenong community is well fed.”
Pastor Keith Vethaak collects food weekly from Avocare to distribute to “hundreds of families” in Narre Warren.
He said many of the people helped by his church’s charity Transit were the working poor who were unable to afford rent, bills, school expenses and food.
“We are so blessed in our partnership with Avocare. We collect five tonnes of food every week to distribute. We couldn’t survive without Avocare.
“We give $150 worth of food to families every time they pick up. It’s enough to keep them out of trouble.”
Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti praised Ms Keilty and her team.
“Trish has made a difference to so many members of our community since 2003,” he said.
“Sadly access to affordable, healthy food is not always available to members of our community.” he added, citing low incomes, lack of transport and unfamiliarity with Western food as contributing factors.
“The council is proud to work with Avocare and we will continue to support this wonderful organisation into the future.”
Ms Keilty described Avocare as a “charity with a heart”.
“Charity begins at home. Dandenong is our home.”
