The Sapphire Coast branch of OzHarvest has started rescuing good, excess food from local supermarkets at Narooma and Bermagui, distributing it to those in need in the area.
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Voluntary manager Christine Welsh started the Sapphire Coast branch of OzHarvest in 2015.
“We are based in Tura Beach, and collect and distribute food from Eden to Bega, but with the addition of three new local volunteers we have been able to extend to Narooma and Bermagui,” Ms Welsh said.
Two weeks ago, the branch started its first collection from Bermagui Woolworths and this food is now going to the Little Yuin Preschool for the children and their families at the Wallaga Lake Koori village.
“Every Tuesday morning our volunteers go to Bermagui Woolworths, pick up the excess food and then deliver it to the preschool,” Ms Welsh said.
“Preschool manager Lea tells me the food is eagerly received and she is delighted with the deliveries.
“At the present time we are only collecting once a week from Woolworths, as a trial. If all goes well, and with Woolworth's cooperation, we may increase the number of our pickups and deliveries to Bermagui.”
OzHarvest Sapphire Coast this week will also begin collecting from Narooma Woolworths, and delivering the food to Katungul Aboriginal medical centre, she said.
This food will be taken by the centre to the Wallaga Lake Koori village for distribution to people in need.
The local volunteers working at Narooma and Bermagui are Nicci Eastham, Andrew Norman and Linda Appelgren.
OzHarvest is Australia’s leading food rescue operation feeding people in need in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth as well as helping in regional communities via its REAP by OzHarvest program.
About OzHarvest Sapphire Coast:
- We collect food from 15 regular donors plus dozens more;
- We deliver food to over 26 charities;
- We have 18 regular volunteers, plus more for special events;
- We travel from Eden to Bermagui;
- Since we started this branch in the Bega Valley in 2015, we have collected and distributed over 20,000kg of food for people in need which equals 60,000 meals;
- Call the branch on 0438 407 364 to find out more.