By VANESSA VALENZUELA
CHARLIE Desira is giving up his time to feed the hearts, and stomachs, of hungry Brimbank residents every week.
The St Albans resident has spent more than 20 years volunteering at Loaves and Fishes food bank which is run by Holy Eucharist Parish.
The food bank provides weekly food parcels to residents in need and relies on donations from Food Bank Victoria, VicRelief and the community.
Mr Desira works with a small team of volunteers who sort the food into boxes from Monday to Thursday before giving out the parcels on Friday morning.
The 67-year-old decided to take on the busy volunteer role when he realised the demand for food donation services in Brimbank.
“There were a lot of refugees and boat people coming into Australia. They had nothing to rely on so we decided to see if we could give them food and invited them to our parish,” he said.
“You hear what they go through to come to Australia and their different stories. Some people run away or their relatives get killed.
“It’s incredible what they go through. You have to listen to their stories to understand their needs.
Mr Desira said he enjoys meeting new people and loves working with others to help struggling support families in the community.
“It’s the satisfaction that I get from people when I see them accept the food. It’s a sign of relief but I know there are still people out there who are in need.”
Mr Desira said the food bank is always looking for more donations to help feed hungry residents, especially over the Christmas period.
“At the moment we have nearly 700 people registered so sometimes people go without food,” he said.
“It makes me sad because to see them come in with hope that they might get something, and they go without anything. It’s disheartening.”
To donate or for more information contact Holy Eucharist Parish on StAlbansSouth@cam.org.au
