Community spirit

THE 5000 Club's newly elected president, Sandy Breen, says she has big shoes to fill.

Founder and patron Loretta Little has stepped down 14 years after establishing the weekly community lunch in Daylesford.

Her philosophy was to provide a weekly lunch for the local community with an emphasis on those who otherwise may not be in a position to enjoy a nutritious three-course meal, and also to provide a social connection to help alleviate loneliness and encourage new friendships.

Sandy says 14 years down the track and The 5000 Club is still going strong, largely due to a group of dedicated volunteers, some pictured left, who preside over the weekly lunches each Friday from noon to 1pm in the pavilion at the Daylesford footy ground.

"Our cook Pauline and several of the volunteers provide food for the lunches out of our own coffers each week.

"During the Covid years when we were forced to close our doors, our bank balance remained static, but now in our second year back in operation, we are certainly feeling the pinch of inflation on all fronts. It is not mandatory but we do welcome a small donation from our guests each week."

Sandy said the club was recently approached by the manager of the Daylesford Bowling Club, Neil Jordan. He invited them to be the recipient of the bowling club's Thursday night Community Meat Tray Raffles for April and May.

"It was music to our ears and we jumped at the opportunity to raise muchneeded funds. The bowling club sells tickets at $2 each throughout the week which culminates in the Thursday night raffle. Vollies from The 5000 Club will be in attendance. We have already discovered how good the meals are - and inexpensive too."

Sandy said someone must have been looking after them because "out of the blue" they were asked by Daylesford's Farmers Arms if they would like to fill a gap during April at the hotel's Friday night Meat Tray Raffle. Once again, they replied in the affirmative.

"It never rains, but it pours," says treasurer Tim Cansfield-Smith. "That's cool, we love rain." Tim said The 5000 Club volunteers would sell tickets on the night and gratefully receive the proceeds of the raffles that take place each Friday around 7.30pm until April 28 for the club.

Sandy said support for the club also came from several local businesses including occasional grants from the Daylesford District Community Bank, Hepburn Shire Council and Daylesford Rotary. They are also indebted to Bakers Delight, Wombat Hill Florist, The Daylesford Meat Co, Hepburn Spa Company "and our dear friends at The Local - we thank you all for your continued support".

"We are also putting out feelers to encourage several other local food suppliers to help with donations of surplus items. If any local businesses or individuals would be interested in sponsoring us, please contact Tim on 0412 446 437," Sandy said.

"Not long ago a local Blampied farmer gave us a box of zucchinis and another farmer gives us potatoes, all of which are turned into delicious lunch items.

"(And) when a well-known (but anonymous) local donated $100 because 'she just wanted to be able to help' we were very humbled. Her observation was that the 5000 Club is an extremely worthwhile addition to our community and should be supported. We have also just had Daylesford Country Retreats come on board with a very helpful donation. Thank you Brendan and Troy for your thoughtful generosity.

"Times are tough and money is tight, but the volunteers of The 5000 Club are dedicated to providing wholesome lunches for our guests - between 35 and 40 each week - and are determined that these lunches remain an important part of each week. And we know only too well that we couldn't achieve this without great dollops of community spirit."

For more details, email The5000Club@hotmail.com or follow the club on Facebook and Instagram

Front page pic: Sandy Breen arranges flowers donated every week by Wombat Hill Florist - always appreciated by the guests - to grace the tables at The 5000 Club Friday lunches

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Kyle Barnes

Disclaimer: We love The 5000 Club.