Tara Murray
With more people needing help from Encompass Care in Bundoora, the group has had some special helpers volunteer their time.
Every Tuesday, Mernda police have been helping out as Encompass Care tries to meet the growing demand.
Encompass Care’s chief operations officer Gianna Donato said the group was grateful for the assistance.
She said Encompass has been busier than ever, with people needing help more frequently.
“They [the police] come each week and help unload the trucks,” Ms Donato said.
“It’s amazing they take the time out to help and I want to give a big shout out to them.”
Ms Donato said they were currently preparing 90 food parcels a week for residents in need in Whittlesea and Darebin, while also providing packages to students at La Trobe University.
Mernda acting Senior Sergeant Mark Crevatin said he had been given some great feedback from his members.
“We look at this as another way of serving the community by ensuring those people who have been identified as ‘in need’ do not go without,” he said.
“It has also been good to get to know the volunteers at Encompass Care who have detailed the nature of their work and the assistance they can provide to the community.
“Many in the community would view Victoria Police solely as law enforcement, however, the partnership with Encompass Care, I hope, would portray Victoria Police as more than that.”
Whittlesea council also helped Encompass Care to call more than 1000 people on their database for welfare checks.
As well as food parcels, Encompass Care provide a number of other services including a 24-hour emergency assistance hotline.
While they can’t do face-to-face contact, Encompass is running weekly Zoom chats.
“We are here for anyone who is vulnerable and struggling and even just needs a listening ear,” Ms Donato said.
She said that anyone who was interested in helping out could donate non-perishable food, which could be dropped off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. They also accept donations, which are tax-deductible.
