Whitehorse News - December 2022

Giving the gift of generosity

Christmas is a time of food, family and festive cheer. But for those of us who are facing hardships, we can feel even more alone at this time of year.

This is what makes organisations such as the Eastern Emergency Relief Network (EERN) so valuable. 

Located in Mitcham, EERN is a central collection point for donated furniture, whitegoods, food and other household goods for re-distribution as emergency aid to families or individuals. EERN distributes resources to those in need via its member agencies such as Doncare and the Migrant Information Centre.

For many years, EERN has prepared Christmas hampers for those in need during the festive season.

“We usually receive expressions of interest from our member agencies for up to 300 hampers each year,” said Secretary Gabby Knaepple.

“We have many goods donated from different sources for which we are grateful. These include church groups, The Huntingtower School and Blackburn High School, Foot Posture Centre Forest Hill and Barry Plant.”

Whitehorse, along with other organisations, also provides EERN with toys and other gifts that are donated by community members.

“EERN is very appreciative of the support it gets from Whitehorse City Council, the Whitehorse Rotary Clubs and Lions Clubs, many small businesses, our EERN family and all our donors. It’s all about community working with community to get great outcomes for others,” said Gabby.

Gabby and the team at EERN have long received very positive feedback for their lovingly prepared hampers. This year, they have updated the content of their hampers to make them more inclusive and culturally diverse.

If residents would like to donate items for the hampers, they can do so at the Whitehorse Civic Centre in Nunawading, Woodard’s Real Estate in Blackburn or The Foot Posture Centre in Forest Hill. 

Note that fresh food is not accepted. Residents can donate household items at any time by contacting the EERN warehouse to arrange for those items to be picked up. 

Read more information about EERN. 

“EERN is always on the lookout for donations and volunteers, so if people can assist don’t hesitate to contact us,” said Gabby.

Top image: EERN volunteers Cheryl, Janet, Lesley and Gabby prepare Christmas hampers.