What started as a small gesture by a family business has turned into a network of helpers delivering free staples to the elderly and disabled across Melbourne’s west.
West Footscray Traders Association president Pradeep Tiwari set out to help those most in need during the coronavirus crisis by delivering care packages.
“There was one lady who opened the door and she had a severe case of Parkinson’s disease and was shaking extremely hard,” Mr Tiwari said.
“From behind her, a little girl came out jumping with joy yelling, ‘Mummy we finally got toilet paper, thank you so much’.”
He said another recipient was a man who was being fed through tubes in his stomach and unable to get out of his chair. His carer was in self-isolation and no one had approached him in five days.
Mr Tiwari approached Sims IGA in West Footscray for discounted groceries but when owner Brendan Schroeder heard his story he offered free staples until the end of June.
Maribyrnong council then offered to take over deliveries within the municipality, while “countless volunteers” came forward, enabling Mr Tiwari to expand deliveries as far as Altona and Werribee.
“I’m using a love thy neighbour approach, asking all neighbours to check up if they have elderly or disabled neighbours, while maintaining social distancing rules, and for people to alert us,” Mr Tiwari said.
If you know someone who is elderly or has a disability and would benefit from this program, contact info@bharattraders.com.au
