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BENDIGO Foodshare has wished Heathcote Foodshare the best of luck with its fundraising efforts after a truck was damaged in a crash in Quarry Hill.
A spokesperson said Bendigo Foodshare had received a number of inquiries from concerned community members.
Bendigo Foodshare is a separate entity from Heathcote Foodshare.
"All our vehicles are in good condition and our staff and volunteers are safe," a Bendigo Foodshare spokesperson said.
Heathcote Foodshare has estimated the cost of replacing its damaged truck at about $12,000.
"It's not as if we are begging (for donations) but if someone can help us out that would be fine," Heathcote Foodshare's Robert Peachey said.
Two volunteers were transporting food from a supermarket to Maiden Gully Primary School this morning when the crash happened.
One person involved in the two-vehicle collision was taken to hospital for observation.
Paramedics assessed three people at the scene.
Police believed the driver of a hatchback failed to give way.
3.20pm
While the truck was insured for between $6000 and $7000 dollars, it will likely cost $12,000 to replace, Heathcote Foodshare's Robert Peachey said.
"We were very fortunate that the person who sold it to us did so for that price (between $6000 and $7000)," he said.
"That doesn't come along twice, as a rule.
"It's not as if we are begging (for donations) but if someone can help us out that would be fine."
Noon
HEATHCOTE Foodshare volunteers are calling for help to find a new truck, six months after purchasing one involved in a crash this morning.
Two volunteers had picked up food from a supermarket and were taking it to Maiden Gully Primary School this morning when police say a hatchback failed to give way at the corner of Miller Street and Havlin Street West.
Heathcote Foodshare's truck rolled onto its side and is likely a write-off, the group's Robert Peachey said.
"It's put us at a huge disadvantage," he said.
"Heathcote is a small town and so many people rely on us. We also help out at Rochester."
The group comes to Bendigo seven days a week, usually visiting five or six supermarkets. Each day of the weekend volunteers visit every supermarket in town.
They do have another, smaller van they can turn to.
"Having one van will make it far more expensive to pay for petrol. So having to do a few trips in and out (of Bendigo) will put pressure on us," Mr Peachey said.
Heathcote Foodshare has helped more people this year as people across the region struggle with the cost of living, he said.
It has seen between 600 and 700 people come through its shop doors a week since Christmas, Mr Peachey said.
The crashed truck did have insurance, he said.
Some of the money for a replacement could come from the group's op shop, Mr Peachey said.
"If anyone would want to donate or help in any way, that would really be appreciated," he said.
"We got donations and grants last time. So many great people out there were willing to help, which was amazing.
"We just see this as a setback. Heathcote Foodshare will continue."
The driver of a hatchback involved in the crash was taken to hospital for observation, Bendigo police officer Sergeant Paine said.
The volunteers had a few bumps and bruises but were able to complete their morning's deliveries, Mr Peachey said.
"We have some amazingly dedicated volunteers," he said.
9.15am
The car and truck have been cleared and the road is re-opened.
8.40am
An Ambulance Victoria spokesman said one person involved in the crash has been taken to hospital for observation.
"We assessed three people, one was taken to Bendigo Health in a stable condition," he said.
The truck involved in the crash is a Bendigo Foodshare truck that was taking food to Maiden Gully Primary School as part of a food waste program.
Sergeant Michael Paine said drivers should be more aware on the roads.
"Obviously the road toll is very high in Victoria," he said. "Drivers need to be wary of driving habits."
On Tuesday, 58 drivers received infringement notices in Bendigo, Campaspe, Goldfields and Macedon Ranges police areas when police took part in a nationwide Day of Action.
Earlier
A two-vehicle crash in Quarry Hill has blocked off the road.
Miller Street, at the intersections of Havlin Streets East and West, is blocked in both directions with traffic being diverted down Brougham Street and Havlin Street East.
A hatchback and truck were involved in the crash that resulted in the truck being on its side.
Police are on scene.
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