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To help people out of hours , the charity recently set up a bread cabinet which is available when the free store is closed .
by Lorna Gordon
As a charity which supports people by supplying free groceries , Love For Australia has become a beacon of hope for countless families struggling to make ends meet . The charity has been dedicated to providing essential groceries and household items since 2012 and opened the doors of its free grocery store three years ago to those in need or are facing financial hardship .
Love for Australia is a family-run charity that understands the challenges of modern life . It was originally founded to help seniors and those who had fallen on hard times , however , the rising cost of living has affected people across the board . Florence Lee – Gunawan , one of the founders of the charity along with her parents , told me they have noticed a change in the past year to two with who is using their services .
“ We are seeing many working families struggling despite holding down one or even two jobs . We know what it ’ s like to struggle ourselves , my parents moved to Australia with very little when they migrated .”
Like many food services they used to only offer pre-packed hampers with limited choices , but they realised that people didn ’ t use all the food provided and they wanted to eliminate food waste and give their clients more choice . To do this Love For Australia set up a welcoming store where individuals can select the items they need . This approach not only reduces food wastage but also gives people the dignity and respect they deserve during tough times .
Each client is allocated a time to pop in and shop at the store , choosing the items which best fit their family ’ s needs . They also have a daily walk in time between 4 and 4.30pm where people can go and pick up groceries if they realise they have run out of food or are unable to make an appointment .
“ We wanted to create a space that feels like a corner shop , where people can shop with dignity , bring their children , and feel comfortable .”
Since it began , Love for Australia has seen an increasing number of people seeking assistance . Many of them have never been in a financial crisis before and find it difficult to ask for help .
“ It ’ s hard for people to reach out . They feel shy or embarrassed , but we are here to support them with open arms ,” Florence explained .
Operating without government funding , Love for Australia relies entirely on the generosity of individuals and businesses . The charity started with pooled family and friend donations , but sustaining the service has become increasingly challenging .
“ Our biggest expense is rent , and our initial cash reserves are running low ,” Florence admitted .
“ But support from local people keeps us going , we don ’ t want to stop this service for those who need it .”
Despite the hurdles , they remain committed to their decision of keeping the service completely free , without charging membership fees or asking for financial contributions from those they serve .
Support from local businesses and organisations has been crucial in keeping the shelves stocked . The Bikers Hand , a dedicated donor , regularly supplies pantry staples and fresh produce , while Bakers Delight Parramatta generously provides bread twice a week . Additionally , organisations such as Commonwealth
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