One of four emergency Vinnies Drive and Drop Hub services has launched in Stirling, thanks to a special partnership between the City of Stirling and Vinnies WA.
With the City of Stirling and Vinnies WA having to suspend some of their services and facilities due to COVID-19, both organisations have redirected resources into the emergency relief initiative.
The closed Vinnies shop in Balcatta has become a designated drop-off point for people to donate food, especially items such as rice, pasta and non-perishables.
Mayor Mark Irwin welcomed the initiative and said it was a great example of organisations working together to help those most in need during this time of crisis.
“The health and wellbeing of the Stirling community is paramount and this important service will make sure families and members of the community in need have access to basic food and sanitary items.”
“We’re really proud we’ve been able to work alongside a trusted organisation like Vinnies WA and we encourage everyone to donate their non-perishables, particularly rice and pasta, for people who are experiencing hardship.”
Andrew York, Vinnies WA Executive Manager of Member & Volunteer Services said Vinnies continued to deliver emergency assistance and this new model of dispensing food relief was simply an extension of that support.
“We are finding that so many people in the community are being affected by disruptions from COVID-19 that even having a basic need such as food has become a great challenge,” Mr York said.
“Being able to provide emergency food relief, even in the form of a hamper left at the door, can keep an individual or even a family going for up to a week. If the public can help us by donating food, then we can all work together to support Western Australians receive basic needs.”
Until 19 May, the Stirling Drive and Drop Hub is available from Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 3.00pm.
A full list of preferred food items is available at vinnieswa.org.au
The Vinnies partnership enhances the relief service already offered by the City of Stirling through its existing partnerships with SecondBite and Share the Dignity, which offers fresh food and sanitary packs.
For support, people experiencing hardship are encouraged to contact the City’s Community Services Hotline on 1800 729 655.
Social Media Share this articleLinks below open in a new window