It was a Kris Kringle of a different kind at Moorabool council at Christmas, with staff opting to donate to council services instead of the traditional gift-swapping.
In lieu of an office KK, staff helped raise more than $480 for the council’s Aged and Disability Services Bacchus Marsh food bus, a service run by volunteers to provide meals for people in need.
The council’s community services directorate also donated food, which volunteers distributed at a Christmas lunch at the Quamby Room in Bacchus Marsh.
Mayor Paul Tatchell said he applauded the efforts to give back to the community.
“The decision to donate money and food in lieu of a Kris Kringle has resulted in more food going to those in need,” Cr Tatchell said.
“And, unfortunately, the number of people using this service continues to grow.”
The food bus first drove into town in December 2013 with only two clients.
Now an average of between 30 and 40 people use the service every night.
In 2014, the food bus served about 2000 meals, 1300 cups of coffee and 650 cups of Milo, the Milo being given mostly to children.
The council has also supported the service with the installation of a three-phase power access and by opening the Quamby Room for people to have showers and eat in the dining area.
