In collaboration with the Rotary Club of Bendigo-Strathdale they will be wrapping Christmas presents at the Bendigo Marketplace for a simple gold coin donation.

East Loddon Community Network Group President Leanne Welsh said she is “very happy” with the opportunity given to them by the Bendigo Marketplace “so we can raise funds for those in need”.

“We are raising funds for the East Loddon Food Share Program Inc and the money will go towards buying grocery items that will go into food hampers, that will then go out into our rural and farming community,” Leanne said.

“There was a dairy crisis last year and recovery from that and any weather event that’s happened requires a long term fix rather than just an overnight fix, the impact from these events can hurt people in many different ways,” she said.

The program’s aim is to provide care packages to those in need and operates entirely from volunteer members that “understand the importance of giving back to the community”.

Volunteer Julie Vecht said that wrapping presents is just a small avenue that’s used to raise the money that is being put towards buying food for farmers and other community members.

“It’s only minimal, but every little bit helps,” Julie said.

“We take for granted the situation our farmers are in, the more support we can give means the more we can keep on the land,” she said.

The program has helped 288 families in the last year, which receive multiple food support boxes each year.

The volunteers have been working hard wrapping an array of “challenging” items, the most difficult include a fishing rod, soccer ball and many other odd shaped presents.

“We appreciate and value every volunteer who has given their time and love to supporting our program through donations and labour, packing grocery and essential needs hampers,” Leanne said.

There is an impressive line-up of all sorts of Christmas wrapping paper and bright tinsel to choose from at the wrapping stall that will be set up at the Bendigo Marketplace until 9pm on Thursday December 21.