By Brendan Rees
A Casey charity supporting people from culturally diverse backgrounds will set up an emergency food relief centre to help those hit hard by the pandemic.
United Cultural Support Inc (UCSI) will hand out food packages to vulnerable members of the community every Wednesday at Arthur Wren Hall in Hampton Park as demand for food surges.
President of the UCSI Sadia Ali said although the service was primarily for the people seeking asylum and refugees, the wider-community who had also been badly affected by the crisis were also welcome to collect a food parcel.
Due to social distancing, 10 hard-working volunteers will assist in the hand-out of packages which will contain non-perishables and fresh fruit and vegetables.
“To further support the vulnerable members of the community during this hard time, in cooperation with UCSI, Casey Multi-Faith Network will be providing warm clothes and resources to the members of the community,” Ms Ali said.
The relief centre is made possible thanks to the partnership of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Ms Sadia said many people suffering were not entitled to government benefits or did not have access to the Medicare health care system.
“We thought we were going to provide 50 boxes to the families but since we have advertised it has gone to triple their demand.”
The relief centre will be held at Arthur Wren Hall (16-20 Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park) every Wednesday from 22 July for six weeks from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
No appointment is required for the individuals. Organisations supporting people seeking asylum and refugees are asked to book in advance for clients to arrange food packages.
