By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
CHRISTMAS came early for Windermere this holiday season.
Last December Windermere Child and Family Services, based in Narre Warren, was awarded a $35,000 donation from Zagame’s Berwick Hotel in the week before Christmas.
Windermere CEO Dr Lynette Buoy said the much needed and valued funds were a result of the local business’ desire to actively “give back” to the local community.
Ms Buoy said she was overjoyed by the commitment from Zagame’s Berwick and its contribution to helping Windermere deliver early prevention and intervention programs.
“Each year Windermere continues to advance its vision of a stronger, connected and more supported community,” she said.
“We believe that everyone is someone in our community and through our programs and support from local businesses like Zagame’s Berwick, we will see many lives change for the better.”
Christmas is not always a pleasant time for those in Casey who may have no family to turn to nor money to buy gifts.
But it’s in this bleak reality that Windermere and the local community rallies to help underprivileged people living throughout the south-eastern municipality.
Case managers from Windermere Narre Warren came together last month to collect hundreds of gifts and hampers which were donated by the community to be distributed to the family service provider’s clients just in time for Christmas.
Local businesses, schools, community groups and individuals dug deep over the past two months, donating more than 800 gifts and 150 hampers to Windermere’s Merry Mission appeal.
Ms Buoy commended the selflessness shown in spades by the Casey community.
“Many local families are feeling the strain of everyday living and will find it tough to celebrate the festive season with the presents and hearty meals that many of us take for granted,” she said.
“Christmas should be a time for giving and our community are known for their compassion and support of those less fortunate.
“This has once again been proven by the overwhelming generosity shown during this year’s campaign.”
Dr Buoy reiterated the donated gifts and hampers went a long way to bringing joy to many local children and families.
Groups that donated to the Merry Mission appeal included Beaconhills College, Lyndhurst Primary School, The Inner Wheel Club of Berwick, Tirhatuan Park Golf Club, Target Mornington, Berwick Woodworkers Club, Dandenong Valley Historic Car Club, Commonwealth Bank, BJT Business Advisors and Berwick Motor Group.
