Wave of support leads to 'Bobkeeper' charity food drop expansion

Loveable, larrikin Priest, Father Bob Maguire is expanding his "BobKeeper" support program after a wave of generous donations from kind-hearted Aussies.

"We've become viral. We've gone upwards and onwards," an excited Father Maguire told A Current Affair.

"We're feeding 100 more families than last year, at least, thanks to BobKeeper."

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BobKeeper began in 2021 after COVID-19 lockdown measures created a greater need for social services and food relief.

Operating out of the Banksia Gardens Community Centre in Melbourne's North, BobKeeper provides food packages and household essentials to those doing it tough.

A Current Affair attended Banksia Gardens this week and found dozens of people gratefully accepting donated food, clothes and appliances.

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"I'm on my own and it's very hard, so thank you Father Bob (Maguire)," BobKeeper beneficiary Paula said.

She lives on a disability pension.

Gina Dougall is the CEO of Banksia Garden Community Centre.

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"We service community needs and food relief is huge for us. BobKeeper has a serious, direct and instant impact for us," Ms Dougall said.

There are also plans afoot to expand BobKeeper beyond its current form.

"We're going to go out into other communities and we want to go next year and open a whole new pantry," coordinator for BobKeeper Nick Christoforou said.

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"It's wonderful to see such great support from the public and we need as much support as we can."

BobKeeper is the latest project for Father Maguire, who has served struggling communities in Melbourne for decades.

Now 87 years old, Father Maguire vows to continue giving his time and support for as long as he can.

"I think I'll keep going until the last gasp. I hope so," he said with a smile.

"Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone. But if there's going to be tears, I want to make them tears of joy.

"That's what Banksia Gardens is all about, to replace the tears of sadness, with tears of joy."

For more information about the Bobkeeper charity, visit here.