BayCISS is here for anyone in need

The majority of people currently contacting BayCISS for emergency food supplies have never done so before the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, according to Manager Karyn Doyle. 

It’s a service that Karyn expects to get busier each week as the economic effects of the pandemic continue to hit our community. But thanks to community generosity, BayCISS has plenty of food available and is encouraging anyone who needs help to get in touch.

“It’s not easy for many to ask for help,” says Karyn. “A lot of people are finding themselves in a position they’ve never experienced before; it’s incredibly difficult.” The first step is to give BayCISS a call on 9555 9910.

The Bayside Community Information and Support Service (BayCISS) has been helping locals in need since 2006. The local not-for-profit organisation provides information and support including family counselling, casework, legal advice and tax help, as well as emergency relief, such as food supplies and bill assistance to anyone living in Bayside and the northern part of Kingston.

Every little bit helps Council funds BAYCISS through its Major Grants Program and has increased its support in many ways during the pandemic, including promoting donations. “They've been unbelievable getting the word out. We’ve been inundated with at least three times more donations coming through the door.” But it’s far from job done: “As soon as it’s coming in, it’s going out.”

BayCISS regularly receives donations from people who buy an extra bag of shopping to donate, but recently its also been receiving carloads of food from neighbours donating together to help their community, along with truckloads of supplies from local businesses.

More than canned goods, Karyn says her clients are receiving quality hampers with fresh food donations from Aldi, Moorabbin Fruit and Vegetable Market and Sandringham’s Lucky Star Bakery, as well as herbs and vegetables grown in the BayCISS community garden. Council is also donating any extra food from its regular delivered meals service at the end of each week. 

“These hampers are bringing some normality to people in these uncertain times,” says Karyn. “We’ll never turn anyone away. We’ve relaxed our guidelines to encourage people to come back for food as often as they need, and we can do that thanks to the amazing generosity of the community.”

BayCISS is strictly following government advice on social distancing while it continues to offer its complete range of support services to the community. 

The BayCISS Emergency Relief program can be accessed by phoning 9555 9910 between 10am and 2pm each weekday, with all other regular services provided by phone appointment. 

If you can’t get through, keep trying or leave a message and BayCISS will respond to your request as soon as possible. Requests for help can also be made via the BayCISS website. 

For more information, visit www.bayciss.org.au