How you can help

Residents are being encouraged to shop local and support businesses that give back to the community.

Councillor Dave Schumacher said many charities and community organisations relied on donations from businesses.

Hog's Breath manager Manish Gupta said their latest initiative was to help different groups in the community.

"If people spend $30 or more, they can put a $5 card in a box and at the end of the month we donate it to that particular community group," he said.

This month the beneficiaries are Mandurah Baptist College and Peel Youth Medical Service.

The Baptist College is fundraising for a 12-seater bus for students.

PYMS rely on donations and provide medical support for 400 young people every month.