Theodora's Cheerful Givers

04/03/2026

We will be closed Thursday 5 March to allow volunteers to attend our late Founder Gina Poulos' funeral. We thank you for your understanding.

24/02/2026

❤️ In Loving Memory of Chrystol Anagnostopoulos (Gina Poulos)
20 October 1944 – 21 February 2026 ❤️
Beloved daughter of Anika (Anna) and George Filips.
Devoted wife of Peter Anagnostopoulos (Poulos). Adored mother and mother-in-law of Georgegina and John, Helen, Anna and Paul, and Alex and Amanda.
Cherished Nanna of Armani, Denzell, Leeroy, Dion, Sophie, Joshua, and Luke. Much loved sister and sister-in-law of Michael (deceased), Bill and Leanne, and Nik and Jane.
⛪️Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the funeral service for Gina, to be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Epiphany (Τα άγια Θεοφάνεια), 1-3 Petrie St, Frankston, on Thursday, 5 March 2026 at 10:00 am.
Please Note: In celebration of Gina’s life, the family requests that guests wear colour rather than traditional black. 🌈
Following the service, a wake will be held in her honour.
The funeral procession will then depart at 1:30 pm for a 3:30 pm burial at: Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Drive, Traralgon.

22/02/2026

In honor of our beloved Founder, Gina Poulos, the Govan Street factory will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, 23 and 24 February.

We will reopen for food parcel collections on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

Your understanding during this time is appreciated.

21/02/2026

VALE Gina Poulos
1944-2026

It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of our beautiful mum, Gina Poulos.

Mum was surrounded by her family and passed peacefully in her sleep this evening, Saturday 21 February 2026

In true Gina style, she was given the precious opportunity to say farewell to her family, friends, and colleagues through a celebration of life, with over 100 people coming together to honour her.

Mum was a pillar of our community and lived her life in service to others. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering compassion touched so many lives.

From the bottom of our hearts, we are deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support we have received over the past three weeks. It has meant more to us than words can express.
In her final days, Mum wanted everyone to know how much she appreciated them and how deeply she valued their contribution to her life and to the purpose she held so close to her heart.

As the Bible reminds us:

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you invited me in,
I needed clothes and you clothed me.”
— Matthew 25:35–36

This was Mum’s life in action.
Mum, you were loved by so many, and you will be missed more than words can say.

There are simply not enough words to express how much we love you.

You will live forever in our hearts.

Your loving husband, Peter and your children Georgegina, Helen, Anna and Alex xx

13/02/2026

A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers who’ll be running the BBQ on Sunday, 15 February at Bunnings Carrum Downs

Pop down, say hello, and grab a snag — we’d love to see you there!

07/02/2026

From our hearts, thank you to everyone who came today to celebrate Mum, and to all those who sent messages, calls, and words of love.

Your support has meant everything to her — and to us. Seeing so much love around her has brought her great comfort and joy.

We are so deeply grateful to each of you.

06/02/2026

We share this special tribute to our beautiful Gina, written by Louise. Thank you, Louise, for honouring Gina’s legacy with such grace and love.

To the Melbourne Jewish Community,

Melbourne has a rare gem, a remarkable quiet achiever by the name of Gina Poulos—an 81-year-old Greek lady with an extraordinary love for those in the wider Melbourne community who are doing it tough. Gina and her exceptional husband Peter founded Theodora’s Cheerful Givers, feeding thousands of meals each week to those needing their help.

Gina has no medals or OAMs behind her name, but what she does have is a deep, unwavering commitment to helping the underprivileged. She also has a profound love and respect for our Melbourne Jewish community, who over many years have shown her such generosity and kindness, always stepping in whenever support was needed.

During Covid, our Jewish community filled my garage to the brim with food that Gina then distributed to families in need. We filled four massive truck loads to capacity! One Covid Christmas, we collected up to ten car-loads of presents for children whose parents were unable to work and provide gifts to celebrate Christmas with their families.

In all the years I have helped Gina, not a single meal or parcel ever went out without her saying to the recipient:
“This meal comes because of the kindness of the Jewish community.”
Our best friend and overwhelming admirer of our wonderful community!

Sadly, Gina is now at the end of her life.

When I went to say goodbye to her in Frankston this week, the very first words she said to me as I sat by her bedside were:
“Louise, I have a dying request. Please could you write a message for my friends in the Jewish community. Please share my love, my appreciation, and my utter respect for their kindness. May the world learn to live in peace and love your remarkable nation.”

Her passing will be a profound loss to all those who relied on her help through their countless difficult circumstances.

A true woman of valour honours a community of valour!

On Gina’s behalf—and from my own heart—thank you for your generosity, your humanity, and your unwavering willingness to help. Your kindness changed lives, and it sustained a woman who spent her life sustaining others.

Thank you to everyone who always put up their hand—for tin foods, meals, thousands of plastic bags, toys, household goods, and above all, an overwhelming dose of love. ❤️
Louise Fisher

05/02/2026

With heavy hearts, we share that our founder, Gina Poulos is terminally ill and nearing the end of her time with us.

As a family, we would love to bring together those who love her to spend some precious time together — sharing stories, laughter, and gratitude for the incredible woman she is, and creating more memories while we can.

With love, we invite you to join us in celebrating Gina’s life and legacy.

If you’re able to join us, it would mean the world to her — and to us.

We understand this is a sensitive time. Please join us in whatever way feels right for you. 💛

Light refreshments will be served.
Please RSVP by 5:00 pm Friday - Georgegina 0406 028 925
Details in the flyer

21/12/2025

21/12/2025

20/11/2025

Our food van was stolen early Sunday Morning Its a Honda Van Silver Regi Number SGP 425. We need this Van to pick up and deliver food to people in need. If anyone sees this Van please call Police.

19/09/2025

🍕 Huge Thanks for Huge Pizzas! 🍕

A massive shout-out to Yummy Pizza for supplying the absolutely delicious—and HUGE—pizzas for our event today.
Every single slice was a hit—our volunteers, guests, and team can’t stop talking about them!

Your generosity helped make the day extra special, and we’re so grateful for your support of our community. 💛

If you’re craving something amazing (and big enough to share!), we can’t recommend Yummy Pizza enough. Shop 5, 300 Heatherhill Road, Frankston, 3199 Victoria

Yummy Pizza