Demand soaring for C Care’s services
In the last six months alone C Care has seen a 60 per cent increase in those requiring its support.
C CARE, a communal organisation that supports those experiencing food insecurity and social isolation, is continuing to make a difference on the frontline as Omicron leaves many Victorians newly vulnerable.
COVID-19 has had a substantial impact on Melbourne as a whole and the Jewish community is no exception. According to its latest report, in the last six months alone C Care has seen a 60 per cent increase in those requiring its support.
As of the end of December 2021, the number of recipients it provided relief to was 1229.
The key difficulties that have arisen in the wake of the Omicron strain have been the loss of face-to-face volunteers, who have been unable to assist due to isolation measures either from having COVID themselves or from being close contacts. This has put additional pressure on the organisation, as they don’t want recipients to ever miss out on meals they rely on.
Despite these additional challenges, C Care’s six-month report found it had provided 14,886 prepared meals, cooked and distributed by volunteers to vulnerable members of the community, as well as 2116 pantry packs and 9122 Shabbat boxes.
These essentials were created by 408 dedicated volunteers who gave their time for a total of 7121 hours over the same six-month period.
C Care volunteer Dr Perry Burstin said, “There has always been a sizeable cohort requiring support in our community. COVID has seen a clear surge in demand for assistance. It’s a privilege to be in a position to help out and I am very impressed by the commitment of volunteers.”
He added, “I especially like the way in which C Care has engaged those with special needs into the organisation.
“They have flourished in an environment of friendship and support.
“C Care really does provide care on a multitude of levels. I feel honoured to be a part of it.”
C Care CEO Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson commented, “The pandemic has brought to the surface the vulnerability of many individuals and families within our community.”
“C Care is grateful to be an integral contributor to the community, providing compassionate care and connection, supporting those in need,” he said.
“With the help of our support network; our volunteers, donors and collaborators, we have made incredible progress in 2021.”
For more information, visit ccare.org.au
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