Daylesford Rotary Club is celebrating its 70th year of service to the community this year and what better way than teaming up with Creswick Woollen Mills to distribute 50 warm woollen blankets to those in our community who will be feeling this early onset of cold weather.
Families and individuals on low incomes are also finding it harder to make ends meet with the effects of rising inflation, higher rent, and a shortage of housing for rent in our Shire – some are homeless, living in their cars or couch surfing. These people are often overlooked as they are almost ‘invisible’ to most others. These blankets will go to people in the community who really need them, especially as the weather is getting colder.
Creswick Woollen Mills have been operating and supporting the community for 75 years. Their core values of commitment to family, community and quality built on original foundations of flexibility and resourcefulness are demonstrated in their generous donation of 40 blankets for Rotary to distribute along with the 10 blankets that we have purchased.
The Neighbourhood Centre in Daylesford now has a shower together with a washing machine and clothes dryer particularly for homeless people and people who live in caravans and sheds, often in the bush. The high real estate prices have driven up rents and more people are having to live rough. One fellow advised that he lived in his car for twelve months so that he could afford food and clothing and to save a little money.
Daylesford Rotary members will work with a number of community welfare organisations in the Shire to ensure anyone who needs a warm woollen blanket will be able to receive one. These will be some of the places through which we will distribute the warm woollen blankets.
- CAFS (Child and Family Services) works across Daylesford and Creswick and provides a wide range of support programs to families and individuals in need.
- The Community Op Shop in East Street Daylesford is a totally local volunteer run organisation which looks after many locals doing it tough.
- The Good Grub Club in Central Springs Road Daylesford provide those in need with nutritious cooked meals and food hampers.
If you or anyone you know needs a warm woollen blanket, please contact one of the above organisations or Rotary direct.
Terri Oprean
President Daylesford Rotary Club