The residents of Rosetta Village have pooled together food and toys for Fleurieu families doing it tough to access through the Salvation Army Victor Harbor.
Collection for a hamper started in 2015, with a huge Christmas stocking overflowing with toys donated by Rosetta Village’s Happy Hour member to be distributed to children in need on the Fleurieu.
The following year it was decided to switch to a Christmas hamper filled with non-perishable food to cater for the many families in need in the area.
Each year since, Rosetta residents have opened their hearts to what they recognised as a very worthy cause in the community.
Salvation Army Victor Harbor’s Captain Nathan Hodges said this year, the local corps has seen a huge increase in people seeking help.
“We’re seeing an increase in the needs in our community, people struggling with the cost of living,” he said.
“This year we’re partnering with other local agencies to be able to join our resources together and provide for the community in a greater way.
“We believe that we’ll provide about 130 food hampers to families and then there’s about 150 children registered to receive toys.”
He said there had been a significant jump in the number of people accessing the Salvation Army Victor Harbor’s food resources.
“We currently have about 80 people accessing our free brunch, about 45 people a week accessing free food that we offer, and a large number is starting to access our Hope food market,” he said.
Captain Hodges said community collections like the one Rosetta Village hosted was amazing and hugely helpful.
“Without these guys, we would be struggling to provide for the needs of the community,” he said.
“This will make a significant difference, to provide food hampers this year for community members.
“This is able to provide for them in such a way that takes the pressure off, puts a bit of joy in their lives, and in the lives of the kids as well.”
Anyone who is in need and would like to access a food hamper from Salvation Army Victor Harbor can call 8552 7474 – leave a message if the call is not answered.
