Community commended for helping others

Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch has commended the efforts of the local community in "actively seeking ways to help others" during the pandemic.

She said that there had been an influx of support from the community to help those struggling.

"I am beyond proud of our community and volunteers who have truly stepped up and gone above and beyond to help those who otherwise would be left behind."

She said that Mary Macs Place worker Ms Sally Liedberg had marvelled at the response from the community for the charity that supplied meals to vulnerable members of the community,.

"I am so humbled by the response both this year and last with how much the community comes together in times of need.

"I often have individuals who call me up asking what we need and showing up an hour later with trolleys full of groceries."

However, the St Vincent De Paul's Society at Woy Woy said they were continually in need of food supplies to make hampers for struggling families.

Manager Ms Nikki Willmette had also noticed a large increase in requests for urgent support, across all parts of the community.

"We have identified more people seeking help who have never used our service before.

"I had one lady say to me that she used to donate to us but is now in need of our services.

"People are doing a marvellous job, be it from local school communities, individuals seeking to help, and from businesses which have been providing essential medicines to those who are currently unable to afford it."

Ms Tesch said assistance remains available from St Vincents for those experiencing domestic violence and homelessness, both by phone and on-site with appropriate mask wearing.

Anyone in need of assistance should contact St Vincent's on 4341 7535.

Donations are also being accepted at Woy Woy.

SOURCE:

Social media, 23 Aug 2021

Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford