The annual Forbes Vinnies Christmas Hamper recorded its most successful day last Christmas Eve, delivering hampers to 165 families in need. The hampers, donated by Vinnies together with Bernardi’s IGA, Red Bend Catholic
College, St Laurence’s, The Salvation Army, Forbes Central School, The Catholic Education Office, Eugowra Pre School, Presbyterian Ladies and Mrs Hurford, contained food items and vouchers to receive frozen goods.
The purchased and donated goods were sorted and packed by a team of Vinnies volunteers, led by the dedicated and talented Janet Blowes. During the lead up to Christmas, needy families are visited by the Vinnies team to see who would most benefit from a Christmas Hamper. Other organisations such as Centacare also help with delivery to some
of their contacts.
Event coordinator Rob Rob Priest said last Christmas Eve’s delivery was the most successful he had been apart of. “It was a very successful day. We delivered more hampers than ever, and I’ve been doing it for 10, 20 years now,” he said. The Hampers were delivered directly to the homes of needy families in Forbes, Eugowra and Trundle, on a single trip Mr Priest said took around two hours.
“At 7 am the delivery plan swung into action and another team of about thirty young volunteer drivers were parked at the back door like a line of taxis,” he said. “I would like to thank everyone involved. I’m only one man, but we have 30 people that help out on delivery day.” Mr Priest said he would like to thank all who donated food and made cash donations to supply the hampers. “A special big thank you also goes to those who gave their valuable time in preparing and delivering the goodies.”