Benjy Orwin
Mr SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) (09:37): We all have local legends in our electorates, but I have got one that I really feel has done an amazing job. At the age of eight Benjy Orwin, who is in the gallery today, came home one day, freezing, and talked to his mum about people and what they do when they are struggling on the streets. He wanted to do something about it, and he set up his own charity called Socks 4 Support. Benjy is now 12, and four years later he has collected 30 000 socks to help people, whether it be all the way in South Africa, for England, for our youth hostels or for Ukraine, and even locally, whether it be after the floods in Dandenong. I know we worked with Givit to get some to flood-affected people in New South Wales. Benjy has been out and about collecting through all the schools in my electorate and others to help those in need. It is a fantastic story. It is a story that shows a young person can make a difference. I really want to give a big shout-out to Benjy and say to all members in this chamber: if you would like to donate some socks, preferably washed, certainly new, please give them to us and we will ensure they go to a home in need. It is a great story that shows people can make a difference in these very difficult times. Thank you, Benjy, for all your great work.