Minister Matt Kean will be working hard this Christmas. 75060 Picture: VANESSA CHIRCOP
By Vanessa Chircop
SALVATION Army Minister Matt Kean knows all too well what a difficult time Christmas can be for some people.
The Altona based minister and his wife Fiona have been kept busy this season attending to Hobsons Bay’s most vulnerable citizens.
“Loneliness is one of the biggest issues,” he said.
“Extreme, desperate loneliness.”
Mr Kean said despite being in need people are often unwilling to accept charity.
“We’ll find people are very reluctant – especially around Christmas, to be a person who needs the Salvation Army.”
“But then because it’s Christmas they do come – people who are usually able to keep themselves afloat but have recently lost their jobs.”
Mr Kean said he understood how it may hit people’s pride to accept help but that’s what the Salvation Army was there for.
“I personally pride myself that we’re not like other churches,” he said.
“If we ever became just like any church we couldn’t do what we’re chosen and called to do.”
Despite only being new to Altona, Mr Kean said they loved it.
“The people of Altona are kind and respectful.”
“We could stay here for 15 years.”
For those wanting to make a small difference this Christmas, Mr Kean and his wife are encouraging residents to make monetary donations to the Hobsons Bay Salvation Army.
“We can make $5 explode.”
“We appreciate all toys donated to us but we get hundreds.”
