Gethsemane Church Charity hoping to expand operations, needs funding
Gethsemane Church Charity, which serves fresh food to needy residents, is hoping to expand its operations.
South East
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A couple who run a charitable food pantry out of their Berwick home say they “barely have room to move” anymore and would welcome funding to help them expand their operations.
Kerrigan La-Brooy, senior pastor at Gethsemane Church, said the charity had begun modestly enough in his and wife Michelle’s lounge room, but soon outgrew the space and moved to the garage.
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Gethsemane Charity, which has been operating since April 2017 offers fresh food for struggling Casey and Cardinia locals, free of charge.
Mr La-Brooy said he decided to start the charity because he had “the calling” and felt an urge to serve the community.
Gethsemane stock fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat and more. Their opening hours are noon-2pm but Mr La-Brooy said their door was always open to those in need.
He said that while he and his family would never stop helping the community, they are hoping to base the charity out of a small warehouse, ideally in Clyde or Clyde North.
“The funding is the main issue because we don’t get any at the moment,” he said.
“Our dream would be to secure suitable premises to base ourselves from and be able to operate all our free services from.” Formerly a successful full-time country music singer, Mr La-Brooy said he was contemplating heading back into the studio to record an album of gospel music for families.
The proceeds from the prospective album would go towards expanding the charity.
Mr La-Brooy said Christmas time had been busier than normal for he, his wife and their six children.
Casey Council acting communities manager Sara Merkus said Gethsemane Church Charity had received a $3000 community grant to hold its Christmas carols event, but had been unsuccessful in applying for a “highly competitive” grant worth up to $40,000 a year.
The church had been encouraged to reapply for the next round in 2021, she said.
“The church has an opportunity to apply for another community grant in March to support its food relief and other activities,” she said.
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