Encompass Care in Bundoora is spreading Christmas cheer to the less fortunate in a tough year for families.
They fundraise for gifts each year, but operations officer Gianna Donato said that this year, they have given out more than ever before.
“We give service tp anyone who is struggling to buy toys for their families. We usually only give hampers and toys out to families who are on a pension or on Centrelink payments or have an immigration card, however this year with the rise in cost of living we are extending our gifts to all who are struggling,” she said.
“We have supported 750 families with Christmas hampers and we give around 400 toys out each year.
“This year we have seen so many people who have never accessed food relief come to our doors. It is really a difficult time for everyone.
“Encompass Care assesses individual cases and tries their best to assist everyone.”
For any families or individuals struggling to put food on the table, Encompass is making the process of getting relief easy.
They have two food rooms located in Bundoora as well as Mernda, which are staffed with friendly workers who provide everything necessary.
Gerald Lynch
