Colin and Bethanne Hosking at St Mary's Church Echuca donating to the coat drive.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
With the arrival of winter, the local community is being encouraged to donate warm clothing and bedding to help those doing it tough through the annual Winter Coat and Blanket Drive.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The initiative is co-ordinated by Echuca Moama Community Projects, a small volunteer-run group that supports community projects across Echuca, Moama and surrounding areas through donations from local residents and organisations.
Clean coats, blankets, scarves and beanies donated by community members are made available free of charge through St Mary’s Parish Hall, ensuring people have access to much-needed winter warmth.
At the same hall, Echuca Moama Community Projects and U-Choose Independent Support Services are holding a soup kitchen for anyone in need of a warm meal.
Co-ordinator Julie Sands said the drive and soup kitchen provided free winter essentials to people in need throughout the colder months.
“We are a small team that co-ordinates community projects in Echuca, Moama and surrounding areas, relying solely on the fantastic donations from our community,” she said.
Hundreds of coats have already been donated, close to 100 blankets, and a large amount of hand-knitted beanies and scarves.
“The community response is always above and beyond, it’s just amazing the people who have donated and offered to help,” Ms Sands said.
“Our volunteers are very good and always helping, they are always there to help carry something to your car or just up for a chat.”
Hundreds of blankets and coats at St Mary's Parish Hall.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The drive has also received support from the Moama Lions Club, which has donated additional coats and blankets purchased from local op shops.
Moama Lions Club member Colin Hosking said helping others was a core part of the club's role in the community.
“Somebody has got to do it, someone has to step up,” he said.
“It’s just being a part of the community.”
The club, which currently has 13 members, regularly supports local services and individuals through donations and community projects.
The last day for collection donations will be Friday, June 12 from 10am to 2pm at St Mary's Parish Hall, along with being the last day for the soup kitchen, which will be held from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
Organisers say every donation, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference to someone facing a cold winter.
