Group lodges much-needed help

By Sarah Schwager
A CRANBOURNE fundraising group has donated money to families in need in time for Christmas.
At Lawson Poole Daylight Lodge’s annual Christmas luncheon last week, Worshipful Master Fred Parker handed over funds members had raised during the year to the Cranbourne Information and Support Service (CISS).
The community-based information and referral service offers information and referral, crisis intervention, budget counselling, negotiation, advocacy, share accommodation register, tax help, and a volunteer training program.
CISS manager Leanne Petrides said the cheque could not have been more appreciated and needed.
“Just last week someone asked me if the people we help are needy or just greedy,” Ms Petrides said.
“I have been working at CISS now for nearly nine years and I can assure everyone that the vast majority of people we see are in great need for very many reasons.
“On top of that, the need is increasing at a very great pace and the need is creeping up into the middle class.”
She said many working families, as well as those reliant on Centrelink, were struggling to keep appropriate housing, and keep up with the cost of bills, food, education and transport.
The money raised by Lawson Poole will go towards meat vouchers to help families over the Christmas and school holiday period.
On top of the donation, the Lodge also applies to the Board of Benevolence every year for an additional grant.