Lions lend a helping paw to Tailem Bend food relief service
Free bread will continue to be available at Tailem Bend Community Centre thanks, in part, to a contribution by a local service club.
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In a heartwarming act of community spirit, the Lions Club of Tailem Bend has stepped in to support Tailem Bend Community Centre, ensuring the continuation of a vital service for people struggling in the area.
Until recently, volunteers had been using their own vehicles to collect unsold bread and other treats from Coles and Bakers Delight in Murray Bridge and delivering the items to the community centre.
Collectively, the arrangement cost them an estimated $1040 worth of fuel over the past 12 months.
Bruce Harris, a member of the Lions Club of Tailem Bend, realised that the burden was a lot to bear.
Recognising the importance of the service for residents living on or below the breadline, Mr Harris approached the Lions Club for help.
Helping out are Tina Squires, Michelle Collecrack and Don Woods. Photos: Glenn Power.
“They’ve been doing two runs a week for about 12 months into Coles and Bakers Delight in Murray Bridge, who kindly provide the Tailem Bend Community Centre with bread that hasn’t been sold, and a few other special treats along the way,” he said.
“Without the Tailem Bend Community Centre, many in our community would struggle even more.
“It’s the least we can do at the Lions to help them out.”
The Lions responded swiftly, agreeing to cover the fuel expenses for the volunteers.
This generous gesture ensures that the free bread and goodies will continue to reach those who need them most.
The support from Coles, Bakers Delight and other community donations, along with the dedication of the volunteers, and the Lions’ financial help, embodies the true spirit of community.
Tailem Bend Community Centre’s Tammy Shepherd was extremely appreciative of the continued support of the local community, the Murray Bridge businesses, the volunteers and more recently, the Lions of Tailem Bend.
“The Lions have always been there for our community,” she said.
“We’re so grateful to them for reaching out with a helping hand to our volunteers who deliver the goodies.
“The total of goodies that leave our cart and go into our community roughly adds up to about 120 kilograms of fresh fruit, about 4850kg of wholesome vegetables and a staggering 6000kg of bread and bakery items each year.”
Thanks to the Lions Club of Tailem Bend and their commitment to helping those in need, the Tailem Bend Community Centre will continue to be a lifeline for many, providing not just food, but hope and a sense of togetherness in challenging times.
- Get help: Visit Tailem Bend Community Centre at 141 Railway Terrace between 9am and 4.30pm on weekdays, call 8572 3513 or search for Tailem Bend Community Centre on Facebook.
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