Helping Hand for Hornsby Connect
Hornsby Connect provides food and support to those who need it most within our community, and last year alone they distributed over 100,000 kgs of food to more than 5,000 people and provided more than 6,000 hot meals to people in need.
Due to the nature of Covid-19, the way Hornsby Connect operated had to change. Previously they offered a place where people could escape isolation and come to mingle, socialise and browse the available food. The service now provides pre-packed hampers, available for collection.
It only takes a small donation to make a difference.
Hornsby Connect works hard to stretch each donation as far as possible, noting they can feed one client for an entire week for $15.
The Turramurra and Lindfield Community Bank branches recently responded to an outreach campaign run by Hornsby Connect and were pleased to donate $3,000 to the cause. This donation will essentially feed 200 people in need, within our community.
However, more help is essential as Hornsby Connect has recently seen an increase in new people needing assistance due to the economic downturn.
Stuart Armstrong, president of Hornsby Connect commented “We are supporting more people, but many of those who could benefit from our service have yet to discover us. There is probably also some reluctance among those who have been financially secure in the past to ask for help. In discussions with other agencies, we are all concerned that the real demand is being hidden by short term Government support. As that support winds down, there will be many more people who will need our assistance. Therefore, we are now planning how to strengthen our organisation”
To increase their reach and supply to more people in need, the Hornsby Connect team has recently opened a second distribution point – Ku-ring-gai Connect – located at the Seniors Centre in Turramurra on Thursdays.
Looking for a new base.
They are currently looking for a permanent base to store produce and provide space to pack the food hampers and on the lookout for space 300m2, preferably with a loading dock. Due to the nature of this organisation, the premises would need to be available at a significant reduction to commercial rental rates.
Do you know someone who might be able to help?
How you can help!
• Donate $15 to feed someone for a week. (or $150 to feed 10 people for a week)
• Donate food and hygiene staples. Look for the Hornsby Connect collection bin outside your local supermarket. The collection bin moves around frequently and usually only stays in one place for a few weeks.
• Apply on the website to become a volunteer.
• Do you know someone who could benefit from this service? Connect them with the team from Hornsby or Ku-ring-gai Connect.
Find out more at www.hornsbyconnect.org.au
