Mount Waverley Chadstone Interchurch Council (MWCICC) is an ecumenical group of 13 Christian churches in the Mount Waverley area, representing seven different denominations.
For most of the past 25 years, the 13 congregations have generously collected food to support their local community. ‘Food For Friends’ as they call it.
In the lead up to Christmas, volunteers from each congregation set up outside Ritchies IGA in Mt Waverley encouraging shoppers to buy one extra item of food to donate or give cash donations to those in need.
“Food For Friends encourages local shoppers to think of and act for others in need, especially at Christmas time,” says Convenor Mt Waverley Uniting Church Social Justice and Mission in Society Committee, Margery Kennett.
Last year alone, the compassionate volunteers collected close to 140 boxes of food and $1,000 in cash donations which they distributed to Uniting and eight other organisations.
Margery says the Mt Waverley community has been overwhelmingly supportive of the program. Some community members even sharing their own personal struggles affording food and living costs.
“One year a man stopped to speak with us,” says Margery.
“He gave us $20 and said he used to rely on food relief himself but now is able to give back.”
Margery and MWCICC Chair, Veronica Nicoll, have been coordinating the program for the past 13 years.
“Of all our programs, Food For Friends is the one which brings together all our churches to remember Christ’s teachings about helping others,” she says.
Margery encourages other congregations to think about supporting Food For Families.
“At present, many Australians are unable to find enough food or cover living costs,” she says.
“It is essential that those more fortunate use their time and money to help those less able.”
“Those to whom much is given, much will be required.” – Luke 12:48.
