Many who come to the Greek Welfare Centre come at their worst. All options have been exhausted, all funds have dried up and basic necessities like food and shelter have gone.
Their desperation brings them to the Centre in the hope of stability and a helping hand to get them back on track.
Over the past three years, demand has increased, with many clientele coming newly arrived from Greece.
The need is exacerbated during holiday times and with Easter is just weeks away, now is the best time to pitch in and help.
The Centre is holding their annual food and toy drive for Easter, collecting non-perishable food and toys all month long to help those in the Greek Australian community that have fallen on hard times.
The drive is a joint effort between the Greek Orthodox Parishes, St John’s Greek Orthodox College, Oakleigh Grammar that hopes to help at least more than 300 people and families that have come the Centre for help.
Non-perishable food like oil, pasta, rice, coffee, tea, sugar, biscuits, canned food (including vegetables, meats, hams etc), sauces, flour, spices, snacks can be donated.
The Centre asks for new toys or at least as close to new as possible to ensure a pleasurable experience for the children.
The non-perishable food and toys can be dropped off at any of the Greek Orthodox churches in Victoria or alternatively at the Greek Welfare Centre at the Holy Monastery of ‘Axion Estin’ at 7 Hartington Street, Northcote.
For more information contact Edmond Kaderoglou at the Greek Welfare Centre on (03) 9486 6588.