By BRIDGET COOK
MALCOLM and Jenny Wells were reduced to tears last week as their first event under their new foundation to help the needy came to an end.
There were tears of both jubilation, having just achieved what they set out to do, but also sadness, after hearing the stories of those who are doing it tough in their local community.
On Sunday 22 June, the Berwick couple held their first event under the banner of their new not-for-profit organisation Who Cares? We Do, which they set up early in the year.
It was held at the Cranbourne Public Hall and gave underprivileged and homeless people in the community a chance to get free clothes, toys, a haircut, medical check, a simple meal, show bag with personal and dental hygiene products and connect with support services in the area.
Mr Wells said the day achieved more than they were expecting and they were so proud of what they had achieved, with the help of so many others who lent a helping hand.
“During the course of the day, we had about 280 people turn up,” he said.
“A total of 94 haircuts were provided, there were eight nurse appointments, 65 brand new leather handbags were given away, along with 150 show bags with dental and personal hygiene products and 268 sausages and egg and bacon sandwiches were cooked.
“There were also toys handed out and just under 2000 pre-loved clothes, including blankets and jackets, given out.
“This day was run for the benefit of the community; it is our way of giving back to the community and showing those people who are doing things tough that there are people in the community who do care,” he said.
Mr Wells said it was amazing to get feedback from those in the community about how much such an initiative had helped them.
“Some of the comments made by people at the event and after included ‘what do you mean everything is free’, ‘you’ve made a difference to this family, you’ve relieved so much financial stress’ and ‘thank you for caring and being so amazing’,” he said.
“We even had a lady have her first haircut in over three years, she was so excited,” he said.
Mr Wells said he wanted to thank all those who made the event possible including about 80 volunteers who helped on the day, those who donated clothing and goods, Cranbourne Market and Mega Meats for providing the food, nurse Linda Plail who provided free medical checks and Rotary Club of Cranbourne who did the cooking.
He also thanked the six hairdressers who donated their time to do haircuts, Cranbourne RSL Women’s Auxiliary for their donation of toiletries and dental products and Hyde Cooper Wells Accountants, Casey Councillor Gary Rowe, Security Control Room and Edge 8 Computers who gave financial support.
Mr Wells said it was also great to have Cranbourne Information and Support Services, TurningPoint Church and the Cranbourne Food Van there on the day to inform people of their services.
The next event will be held in October. Search ‘Who Cares? We Do’ on Facebook to keep up to date with what’s to come.
