By Aneeka Simonis
A PAKENHAM-BASED crisis relief service that swoops to the aid of those in need is battling its own struggles, recently announcing the closure of its major material support centre.
4Cs crisis relief centre will close the op shop attached to their food supply centre in Pakenham in early December this year.
Client Services manager Bec Burr said the disadvantage support centre was unable to renew their lease at the attached op shop site.
“The negotiations did not go well … they wanted more than we had to release the site,” she said.
4Cs were given a notice to vacate the site in mid-November.
Ms Burr said homeless or disadvantaged people and families relied on second-hand, affordable basics available at the op shop – with those in severe crisis often gifted essentials such as blankets to survive.
“It’s what we use to gift furniture items to people struggling in the community,” she said.
“People really like it. Unfortunately, we can’t keep it.”
She encouraged locals to bring a trailer and load it up with second-hand goods that will be further heavily marked down before they are required to leave the site on Wednesday 9 December.
It’s not the only disappointment the support centre is facing in the lead-up to Christmas – one of the more financially stressful times of year for families.
4Cs has announced they will have to cut back significantly with their Christmas hamper distribution this year – from 1000 free hampers to 500.
To register for a hamper, see the 4Cs volunteers in Pakenham. Registrations close on Saturday 12 December.
