A case of caring for the carer

– Melissa Grant
Ms Mathieson, director of food bank 4Cs, is one of eight Victorians who have won IGA’s Community Chest Unsung Heroes Award.
She is now in the running to net $5000 for the food bank but needs enough online votes to be crowned the state winner.
Ms Mathieson has already received a $250 IGA voucher for herself and a $250 cash donation to the centre.
She said a $5000 cash injection would be of great help to the food bank, which relies mostly on donations.
“At the moment it’s probably worth about five weeks of groceries,” she said.
Ms Mathieson said she was concerned about how the centre would cope in the new year considering the economic climate.
“I’m really worrying with everything that’s going on at the moment,” she said.
“I don’t think people realise we put submissions in trust funds and I think that some of that trust money has been invested overseas.”
A friend nominated Ms Mathieson for the Unsung Heroes Award, much to her surprise.
“I got a phone call at home from IGA and I thought I don’t know what she’s talking about,” Ms Mathieson said.
“I’m not an out-there person that looks for those types of accolades, so I get a bit embarrassed.”
4Cs helps more than 7000 crisis-affected people each year, distributing hundreds of food packages as well as offering counselling and educational programs.
Residents can vote for Jeni at www.iga.net.au. Voting for the inaugural award closes at 5pm on Friday 7 November.