WHAT started as an informal chat between friends two and a half years ago about the tough financial situation some families were facing has turned into an annual event and this year the Tins in the Bin Family Fun Day will be hosted at the Coleraine Railway Reserve on November 16 between 10am-4pm.

 Anthony Bolden from Coleraine was speaking with mates, Abby-Jean McKerlie, Kellie Edwards and Clem Egan about the hardship people were facing and they decided to do something about it.

“I rang Mark Thomas at the Salvation Army in Hamilton,” Mr Bolden said.

“He told me what was going on in the area and told me a few facts and then we had a chat about what we could do and that’s literally how it started.

“I now run the Tins in the Bin project that started two and a half years ago.

“Every week I collect non-perishable food items from Coles and IGA Coleraine and Casterton. They go through Mark Thomas at the Salvation Army and then he distributes (them) to people in the area.”

However, Mr Bolden, along with his supportive friends also kick started an annual Family Fun Day to raise much-needed funds to help struggling families.

“Last year I decided to create more awareness for the problems in our community and raise a bit of money for families doing it tough heading towards Christmas,” he said. 

“So, a couple of mates of mine got together and we came up with the family fun day.

“Last year, for the first time, worked really well.

“We had a classic car show, laser tag, fishing comp, those sorts of things.

“We raised just under $5000 and with that money we gave $1500 to help the Uniting Church Christmas hampers and St Vincents in Casterton for their Christmas hampers.

“We also gave $500 to the Salvation Army for K Hub vouchers, and we also pay for hams for the Salvation Army Christmas lunch.

“We also gave money for back-to-school vouchers for families that need help.

“Making sure nobody is missing out is our motto.”

The events and activities at the Tins in the Bin Family Fun Day also include a chair-o-plane, a blade shearing demonstration, food vans, market stalls, pedal cars, a whip cracking show, live music and more.

“We’ve also got the horse tram coming from Mount Gambier,” Mr Bolden said.

“The Southern Grampians Shire Council is also supporting us.

“All proceeds go back to those in need in our community.”

More information can be obtained by email at tony_bolden@hotmail.com or through Facebook, Tins in the Bin.