Lisa Breeden found her passion as a volunteer at Echuca Neighbourhood House after moving to Moama with her family. She assists with various services at the reception desk, including Food Bank support and providing clothing and blankets to those in need.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Lisa Breeden has found her calling as a volunteer at Echuca Neighbourhood House, where she has been helping her community for about two years.
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After moving to Moama with her family, who wanted to retire near a golf course, Mrs Breeden discovered the volunteer opportunity through Facebook.
“I saw something on Facebook, I think, from memory, and I asked if they needed help with anything,” Mrs Breeden said.
“And Alyx got back to me and she said, ‘We'd love for you to come and volunteer.’”
Working at the reception desk once a week, Mrs Breeden assists with a wide range of services that support vulnerable community members.
“On reception at Echuca Neighbourhood House we do everything you can think of,” she said.
“When people come in, we help them with Food Bank, when they have got nothing to eat for the week.
“Sometimes there is clothing and blankets, because sometimes in the winter, people can come in without shoes, which is really hard to fathom.
“That happened to me last winter, which was a real eye-opener.”
Beyond basic reception duties, volunteers assist community members who lack resources with administrative tasks.
“On reception, we help people with basic administration tasks, photocopying, if they don’t have a computer or access to a printer, and doing anything online,” Mrs Breeden said.
“We help the elderly with their electricity bills when they get their rebates.”
The Food Bank recently received significant upgrades under the leadership of manager Sarah.
“The Food Bank just got upgraded, with a new freezer and cool room,” Mrs Breeden said.
“And it has just been amazing, what Sarah does, the manager, it is just amazing.”
Mrs Breeden also runs monthly card-making workshops as part of her volunteer commitment, with the next card-making class on May 20 at 9.30am
She emphasised the personal rewards of volunteering.
“I can't speak for anyone else, but I find it very gratifying to be able to help people. It just makes you feel good,” she said.
The Echuca Neighbourhood House currently seeks volunteers for reception, Food Bank packing, gardening and assistance at the Echuca Back Nine golf course.
Those interested in volunteering or who would like to book a spot in the card-making workshop can visit during opening hours, Monday to Thursday, 9am to 2pm, call 03 5482 6914, or visit enh.org.au
You can find the Echuca Neighbourhood House at 261 High St, Echuca.
Echuca Neighbourhood House is currently seeking volunteers for reception, Food Bank packing, gardening, and assistance at the Echuca Back Nine golf course.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
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