Couple extends hand of help

By Lia Bichel
Peter and Sherri Edwards are hoping to fill a truck, donated by Budget Rentals Dandenong, with donations to take to Mr Edwards’ cousin’s house in Buxton on 14 February.
“Peter’s cousin is fortunate to still have a rental property that survived the fires, but instead of having it sitting vacant, we thought we could furnish it and house three to five families who have lost their homes,” Mrs Edwards said.
Having experienced ‘Ash Wednesday’ 26 years ago, Mrs Edwards said she knew the devastation bush fires could cause families.
“I remember the ‘Ash Wednesday’ fires, I was just a kid living in Bendigo, and it had such an impact on my life,” she said. “So when this happened, we knew we needed to help any way we could.”
The couple donated clothes, a small couch, table and chairs, toys, beds, and two baby seats, but were still looking for numerous items.
“We still need more, we need bedding, sheets, doonas, doona covers, towels, tea towels, more clothes in all sizes for both genders, kitchen appliances, a couple of TVs and maybe a DVD player for the children and some DVDs,” Mrs Edwards said.
“Look around your home, see what you use the most and then see if you have a second one or a spare one out in the shed.”
Ms Edwards said items such as non-perishable foods, can openers, cutlery, toilet paper and toiletries were also needed, and no items would go to waste.
For further information and to donate call Sherri Edwards on 0417 039 536.