Helping Hands Mission in the media: Herald Sun article May 2018

Louise Holland (centre) with children (left to right) Steph, Nathan, Victoria and Robert are grateful for support from Helping Hands Mission, a Feed Melbourne Appeal grant recipient. Picture: Hamish Blair

Thanks to Rebecca David and the Herald Sun for this story about our Community Pantry. Read on to learn more about what we do or click here to view the original article.

Feed Melbourne Appeal grant recipient Helping Hands Mission provides food and hope for desperate families

Rebecca David May 6, 2018 - Leader

IMAGINE being down to your last 20c. Louise knows the feeling. After her husband died, this proud mum struggled to feed her four kids until she one day realised she couldn’t afford bread.

LOUISE Holland realised she had reached breaking point when she couldn’t afford to make Vegemite sandwiches for her kids.

The former nurse had struggled to keep her four children fed after losing her husband Rob to a rare genetic disease.

“I had given up my job to be my husband’s carer and after he died the money started evaporating,” Mrs Holland said.

“We both worked. We weren’t wealthy but you never think something like this can happen. We thought we’d be working in these jobs until we retired.

Everyone thinks they’re invincible. Your life can change so dramatically, it could be an illness, it could be losing your job. It doesn’t matter who you are or how much money you earn.”

The proud mum initially refused to seek help, thinking there were people much worse off than her family.

“I was the first person to give to charity, not to take it. It just became too much to do on my own,” she said.

“It’s pretty rough when you can’t afford to buy bread — you can find yourself with 20c in the bank.”

She finally turned to the Helping Hands Mission community pantry in Airport West.

The charity helps her once a week with fresh produce, bread, meats and other groceries.

“Just to know that I don’t have to worry about the money for food is such a big help,” Mrs Holland said.

“At least I know the kids are going to get a few good, healthy meals.”

It has been a tough few years for the Holland family, with two of the children needing regular hospital visits, but there is hope on the horizon.

Mrs Holland is studying to help her get back into the workforce and would like to start volunteering at Helping Hands Mission once the family is back on track.

“Right now my priority is my kids’ health but I do want to work again,” Mrs Holland said. “I’ve still got a few good years in me yet.”

Helping Hands Mission chief executive Melanie Kent. The charity received a Feed Melbourne Appeal grant of $14,500 for a new pantry. Picture: David Smith.

Helping Hands Mission’s three community pantries help more than 600 families each week.

Mission spokeswoman Maddy Kirby said a 2017 Feed Melbourne Appeal grant of almost $15,000 had helped the organisation establish a new community pantry.

“The money went towards shelves, benches freezers — it’s been a huge help,” Ms Kirby said.

“We don’t apply for a lot of grants so it’s really fantastic that this program exists.

“Leader has been incredible to us with Feed Melbourne and the Moonee Valley Leader’s Shelf Life campaign.”

Ms Kirby said Helping Hands Mission prided itself on never turning anyone in need away and the Feed Melbourne Appeal grant would help keep that goal alive.

“There is a real need out there; we are seeing new people booking appointments to see us each day,” she said.

“One mother told us she was able to afford tickets to her son’s graduation because of the food relief they received.”

Mrs Holland said going to Helping Hands Mission made her realise there were people who cared and that she shouldn’t feel ashamed to ask for help.

“I’m so grateful there are people like this. If it wasn’t for them there would be a lot more people worse off.”

You can help families like the Hollands by donating to the 2018 Feed Melbourne Appeal, which is led by Leader Community News and food rescue charity FareShare with support from the Newman’s Own Foundation.

Donations over $2 are tax deductible and every dollar raised goes to Victorian food charities, like Helping Hands Mission, supporting people in need.