Photo: Brimbank City Council

Brimbank City Council is bringing the Giving Tree Program to the neighbourhood again this year.

The program provides an opportunity for community members to make donations of non-perishable goods to help people who might be struggling at this time of the year.

Mayor of Brimbank Cr Margaret Giudice encouraged community members and groups to participate in the program along with Council staff.

“This is a great way to get into the spirit of giving and make a difference to people who might be feeling the additional strain or doing it tough at this time of the year.

“Next time you are food shopping, please consider picking up a couple of non-perishable food items to donate to the program.  This is a very practical and helpful way ‘to give’.

“Goods can be dropped off at one of 18 Brimbank locations between Thursday 30 November and Friday 15 December and Council will work with local agencies to distribute donated items to community members in need”, Cr Giudice said.

Poverty and severe hardship affects more than a million Australians particularly at certain times of the year like Christmas and Brimbank is the second most disadvantaged municipality in Melbourne.

Suggested items for donation include:

• Tinned beans
• Rice, dry beans and pulses
• Vegetable oil, peanut butter, or other nut butters
• Rolled oats
• Canned fruit or vegetables
• Packet soups
• Canned tuna in water
• Tea or coffee
• Dishwashing liquid

For more information and location details visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/givingtree.