Charity stalwart calls time

by Cam Lucadou-Wells

A quiet and retiring achiever has been honoured after more than 20 years of charitable service in Springvale.

Pat Dillon, 85, was feted and farewelled by her colleagues at a Springvale Benevolent Society annual general meeting on 25 September.

Up until last month, the ever-energetic Dillon continued to put in twice-a-week shifts at the society’s office.

She sorted and handed out clothes to people in need, including the growing ranks of the homeless.

In the 2023-’24 financial year, the charity distributed $59,000 of food vouchers and 550 food parcels – a majority being delivered to homes by Dillon.

Each month she personally delivered vouchers, blankets and food hampers to about 30 households at their lowest points.

When necessary, Dillon would dig into her own pocket to buy food for household pets – which isn’t included in the hampers.

“Born in the Falkland Islands, she knows what it is like to go without,” SBS president Joe Rechichi said.

“She’s been our rock. She does a tremendous amount of work, and she’s not the type of person who wants us to make a fuss about her.

“She’s got on in age, she’s got two sons that she wants to spend more time with.We’re going to miss her.”

For 62 years, Springvale Benevolent Society has been a salvation for people at their lowest points. Without any government funding, it survives on business and community donations.

It’s the only agency in the area that does deliveries, according to Rechichi.

Cost of living rises are biting hard, especially for Centrelink recipients.

“The rich and middle classes can afford the extra expenses. But the lower-income classes have become like a forgotten part of our society.”

People will only call the society as a “last resort”, he says. When they don’t have money for petrol to drive their kids to school, or their pantry is bare.

The biggest expense is home rent. Rooming houses charge $250 a week, leaving little left over for groceries, utilities and other expenses for Jobseeker recipients on $390 for singles or $415 for parents.

The society is gearing up for its annual Christmas drive. Last festive season, the society handed out $15,000 worth of food hampers as well as $100 to each household.

However, age is starting to weary the society’s 15 hard-working volunteers. Many of them have served for decades.

“We do it because we love to do it,” Rechichi says.

“Our organisation is diminishing in numbers because no one new is putting their hand up.”

To donate or volunteer, contact Joe Rechichi, 0434 579 966.