LINC gets badly

THE Yarra Junction-based emergency relief organisation LINC Yarra Valley has received a $5000 boost to its always-stretched bottom line.
The Uniting Church’s SHARE Community Appeal last week announced the grant, which will assist the church group’s emergency relief and Christmas Toy Shop programs.
The acting director of appeals, Mr Sebert Ruddock, said SHARE had allocated $5000 so the program could continue to address the urgent need for emergency relief in Yarra Junction.
He said food, pharmaceutical products, bus and petrol vouchers to access medical appointments, assistance with job interviews and Centrelink payments were greatly needed by clients of the LINC Church Services Network.
LINC provides assistance to unemployed, homeless and otherwise disadvantaged residents.
The program also provides referrals and assistance to pay for and access budget counselling, community groups and resources, pastoral care through churches and referrals to LINC’s Family Matters Program.
Mr Ruddock said the SHARE Appeal delivered a ray of hope to communities that were finding life very tough in a so-called affluent time.
“People are hurting and SHARE is there to provide a little light in quite dark times,” he said.
“Our loyal and committed donors understand this need and we are proud to be able to come to the assistance of those in greatest need.”
LINC Church Services Network’s referral centre is open between 9am and 2pm weekdays and is managed by a team of five volunteers who are trained and paid an honorarium.
During the past year the SHARE Community Appeal distributed more than $1 million. A further $41,150 has been allocated to projects relating to bushfire and drought.
LINC can be contacted on 5967 2119.