Hampers to help elders amid shopping struggle

WITH supermarket shelves across Sunraysia still bare, Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) has started putting together hampers to help vulnerable elders through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community engagement officer John Jackson said indigenous elders were a vulnerable group and had been rendered even more so by the recent spate of panic-buying.

“Going out to the supermarket is quite risky for our elders, as they are higher risk, but in saying that, when they do get to the supermarket, there’s nothing there for them,” he said.

“What we’re trying to do as a health provider and a service provider to our indigenous community is being able to provide a service to them where they don’t have to put themselves at risk just to get everyday items.”

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The hampers include essential groceries such as vegetables, pasta, eggs and soap, which have all come from local businesses.

With no end in sight to the pandemic, MDAS is looking for more suppliers for the hampers in coming weeks.

“We would love for businesses or suppliers to provide a little bit of support to us,” Mr Jackson said.

“If there’s anyone out there who is willing to help, we’d love to hear from them.”

According to Mr Jackson, it is especially important for the indigenous community to look after its elders.

“Ours is the oldest living culture and how we’ve held on to that culture is by our elders passing down the stories that they’ve got from their elders,” he said.

“That’s why it’s so important for us to look after the elders in our community.”

To get a free hamper or any other assistance, elders or their families can contact MDAS.

“Give MDAS a call,” Mr Jackson said.

“We might not be able to help every time, but we will bend over backwards to do the best we can to assist you in this time of need.”