New Year, new fridge for Village Avenue.

On the 23^rd November, 2017 the Griffith University Lions Club in conjunction with dollar for dollar funding from the Australian Lions Foundation Ltd officially completed a special project for the Village Avenue Community Church Emergency Food Relief Program,“The installation of a cold room and freezer room.”

At a luncheon held at the VACC facilities to celebrate the achievement, Lion Daynan Brazil, President of Griffith University Lions Club said, “This has been an important project for our Club and one we believe will enhance the Emergency Food Project now and in the future.”

We welcomed as special guests, District Governor Lion Ann Reed, Australian Lions Foundation Ltd Director Lion Lesley Lyons, and Lion Ian and Mandy Smith from Pinelands Lions Club.

It was delightful to have our guests share this special event and thank them for their comments of encouragement.Peter Cox of the Village Avenue Community Church, told the gathering how much they appreciate the partnership that has developed with the Lions and is sure by replacing the current situation, a number of  refrigerators and separate freezers, will provide the opportunity to make more effective use of food generously made available through Foodbank and Second Bite.

“On average we do between 60 and 70 food parcels each month and operate five days a week servicing close to 400 individuals in 2017. Like many food relief programs VACC relies on the generous giving of church members and other local churches and service clubs. Being connected with Foodbank enables us to purchase about 25% more with the available funds we have.” Mr Cox said.

Also attending were recipients of the project services. Lion Larraine Bence said “It was an opportunity to hear firsthand of the benefits people have experienced and how much they have valued support received”. It has been a wonderful outcome and will ensure the VACC Emergency Food Project serves the community well in the coming years.