West Coast Eagles members and fans are urged to Carry a Coin to this Sunday’s game against Greater Western Sydney to help Foodbank WA feed people in need of a meal this winter.
This Sunday is Foodbank WA’s charity round, which is aimed at raising awareness of the growing issue of hunger in Western Australia while providing additional meals for those who are struggling to put food on the table for themselves and their children.
“Hunger is a growing issue in WA and winter is a particularly tough time for people,” Foodbank WA chief executive Greg Hebble said.
“As the weather cools, the bills increase, and many will be faced with the difficult choice of heating their home or eating. Increasingly it’s low income families, seniors and students who are impacted,”
“We are excited to launch Carry a Coin this year, to give West Coast Eagles members and fans an easy way to donate a meal to help those who are doing it tough.”
Foodbank WA currently provides more than 5.7 million meals a year to over 900 charities and schools that feed the hungry.
It’s estimated that more than 94,000 Western Australians rely on food from Foodbank WA every month, a third are children.
Sadly, there are at least 13,000 more who are turned away empty handed each month.
“Every dollar will help us provide two meals, so every donation really does count. We have received fantastic support from the West Coast Eagles family over the past five years, so this year we are hoping everyone will dig deep and make a donation prior to the game,” Mr Hebble said.
Foodbank WA works with the food and grocery industry to rescue food that is destined for landfill.
The not-for-profit charity now also needs to purchase food to bridge the gap between volume and variety of food rescued and what is needed to effectively fight hunger in the community.
Foodbank WA has been partnering the West Coast Eagles since 2013.
The inaugural Carry a Coin has replaced Cans for a Cause this year, which was a large scale food collection founded by Don Pike in 2013.
Earlier this year, West Coast Eagles midfielder Jack Redden was announced as Foodbank WA’s ambassador, taking over the reins from Shannon Hurn who held the position for five years.
To donate online please visit foodbankwa.org.au/carryacoin
