A LANGWARRIN resident who helped keep people fed during lockdown has been hailed as a “pandemic hero”.
While the state was under lockdown, Hiromi Hampton got to thinking about how she could help her fellow Langwarrin residents. She started up a little pantry on Melaleuca Crescent, complete with food and basic items for those who need them.
After beginning with a small pantry outside her home, a rise in donations and demand has seen Ms Hampton open a second, larger pantry.
Ms Hampton said the kindness of her neighbors and friends were the reasons for the pantry’s success. “All my neighbours and friends are very kind and support me in so many ways, otherwise I couldn’t keep going like this. Such wonderful people here and I’m so lucky to have them,” she said.
Dunkley MP Peta Murphy says that Ms Hampton is a “hero” of the pandemic. “Since August, Hiromi’s little pantry has been supporting locals doing it tough. It has also allowed other locals to get involved by donating goods,” she said. “I’m proud to recognise her on behalf of our community.”