Helping hands: Life Church senior minister Ryan Black and Life Church Op Shop co-ordinator Sandy Anderson holding a hamper to be distributed.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
What a year it’s been at the Shepparton Showgrounds pavilion — cars lining the space waiting for COVID-19 tests, flood-victims gathering for a place of refuge, volunteers working tirelessly to support the community.
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Now, once again, the space is being used for good, helping hundreds of families in need.
Despite Life Church having lost its Mooroopna church and op shop space to flooding, members were determined to continue the 10-year streak of providing Christmas cheer — and relief — to community members with Christmas hampers.
Life Church Op Shop co-ordinator Sandy Anderson said with only 24 hours’ notice, Greater Shepparton City Council came to the rescue with the pavilion space.
In a week, church members and volunteers have compiled hampers for 272 families and 734 kids across the Goulburn Valley in need, many flood victims that “have lost everything”.
Spreading cheer: The inside of a Christmas hamper.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“We still wanted to be able to bless people and to show people that there’s people out here that care,” she said.
In addition to receiving three types of hampers — one of staples, a care package and another Christmas goods — children can look forward to opening presents come Christmas day.
Rows upon rows: Hampers to be distributed to the community.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
The contents were supported by South Shepparton Rotary and Mooroopna Rotary, Food Bank, Shepparton FoodShare, Oz Harvest, Benalla Baptist Church Op Shop, God’s Christmas Gifts and Boxes and More, plus donations.
Reflecting on the year that’s been and what went into creating the boxes, Mrs Anderson said people continued to offer assistance.
“The one thing I am so honoured and proud to be is a resident of the Goulburn Valley, because the Gouburn Valley has come together so much,” Mrs Anderson said.
“People really need to pat each other on the back because it's been amazing — miracle after miracle after miracle.”
