Vinnies WA is responding to the COVID-19 crisis by adapting existing services and programs with the launch of Drive and Drop Hubs.
Vinnies Drive and Drop Hubs will be located in Vinnies shops located in Stirling, Morley, Wanneroo and Canning Vale, and will now become designated drop off points for members of the public to donate food items. These donations will be placed in specially prepared hampers that will be delivered by volunteers to people in the community experiencing hardship.
As part of our Emergency Assistance program, Vinnies Drive and Drop Hubs will start operating from Tuesday 28 April 2020 until the 19 May 2020.
Andrew York, Vinnies WA Executive Manager of Member & Volunteer Services says that Vinnies WA has continued to deliver Emergency Assistance and this new model of dispensing food relief is simply an extension of that support. He says there is a real need for this type of service with so many people experiencing difficulties associated with COVID-19.
“We are finding that so many people in the community are being affected by disruptions from COVID-19 that even having a basic need such as food has become a great challenge.
Marginalised and vulnerable people, who were experiencing food insecurity prior to the pandemic are struggling even more, and we are now beginning to see requests from people who have lost incomes or are not eligible for Centrelink assistance needing our support.” Mr York said.
“Being able to provide emergency food relief, even in the form of a hamper left at the door, can keep an individual or even a family going for up to a week. If the public can help us by donating food, then we can all work together to support Western Australians receive basic needs.”
Mr York said that Vinnies will be constantly reviewing the operation of the Hubs and if possible will look to expanding to more locations in response to community need over the coming weeks.
People donating food are urged to keep their items non-perishable with rice and pasta being of the most sought after items needed for the food hampers at this stage.
For the interim period, the re-opening of these shops, is for the sole purpose to receive donated food supplies, and will not operate as a retail outlet at this stage.
The four locations will also be able accept other donations such as clothes, toys and homewares, with Vinnies Canning Vale the only location where furniture can also be donated.
A full list of preferred food items, Drive and Drop Hub locations and opening times can be found on Vinnies WA website www.vinnieswa.org.au