Second Chances 1.53

Freedom Care Inc., is a not-for-profit charitable organisation based in Kilmore Victoria. We commenced in 2009 as a direct and immediate response to the “Black Saturday” Bush fires which occurred in our local area and have continued to operate providing assistance to those in crisis for whatever reason who hold a CentreLink card, or are experiencing financial stress due to chronic illness or those referred by other organisations such as Berry Street, Rural Housing, Pathways to name a few.
Trends confirm a continued need for our service within the community as each year we face a cycle of bushfire seasons and flooding, persistent unemployment, and the population increase to the area as Mitchell Shire is the first Shire to the north of Melbourne.
The Mitchell Shire is a rapidly growing area particularly the southern portion where we are situated. Population numbers are expected to double or even triple in the next 5-10 years respectively.
In addition to the services already mentioned we commenced a “Feed Our Kids” program in 2012. We now supply breakfast and snack foods to local Primary and High Schools in the region.
So, how do we fund our operation to meet these needs?
• Grants
• Gold coin donations
• Food Donations
• Client donations for groceries
We currently have the support of three organisations which supply fruit, vegetables and bread and groceries free of charge to Freedom Care:
• SECOND BITE PROGRAM
• COLES – Community Connect Program
• FOOD BANK
• WOOLWORTHS – FOOD RESCUE PROGRAM
It is our aim to source larger amounts and greater varieties of essential groceries to enable us to expand and meet the on-going needs of our community.