Volunteer distribution drivers called on to help Goolwa residents in need

With a look in the eye and a “thank you”, Rick Lambert can see the impact made when delivering food to vulnerable people.

“You live in Australia, you don’t think in a country like this that there are quite a few people who are really doing it tough,” he said.

“People are still not getting three meals per day; kids are going to school without lunches or brekky.”

Mr Lambert and Michael Wilson are volunteer distribution drivers in the Goolwa region for OzHarvest, a food rescue organisation that stops good food going to waste by delivering it to those in need.

The pair pick up food from Woolworths Goolwa and deliver it to various places in the community, sometimes travelling further afield when they have excess produce.

But with upcoming plans to relocate, the volunteers are seeking others to fill their positions, while promoting the rewarding aspects of the role.

“We’re trying to set up volunteers before we leave so those people who have been receiving food can continue to do so, so it doesn’t all collapse when we go,” Mr Lambert said.

“People do really look forward to when we’re going to turn up.

“Sometimes (we need to) gain a little bit of trust, because some people are hesitant. 

“They might be embarrassed initially to put their hand up, but they’re really still needing it, so every little bit helps, that’s the main thing.”

After living a good life, Mr Wilson said this is an opportunity to give something back to the community and finds it rewarding to help others in need.

“There’s a lot of people who are really proud and they don’t like to display the fact that they’re struggling,” Mr Wilson said.

“So, when we go to them rather than them coming to us, it takes away that exposure. “There’s reward in that, otherwise people will slip through the cracks. 

“And I’m sure people still do, there’s a lot of people we believe are homeless in this community who aren’t receiving any support.”

Volunteers are required to pick up donated produce from Woolworths Goolwa before 10am on a negotiated weekday, with deliveries typically taking about one to two hours.

For further information, contact Rick Lambert on: (0450 141 599) or (ralsel@hotmail.com).