While life is returning to somewhat normal for many across the Illawarra, others are still doing it tough dealing with the impacts of COVID-19, with charities seeing increased demand for their services.
Need a Feed Australia is one such organisation, which makes it an ideal recipient of $2000 for winning the public vote in the October round of Greater Bank’s #GreaterIllawarra community funding program, which this month focused on organisations providing COVID-related support across the region.
Need a Feed Australia founder Shaz Harrison said the pandemic has seen a massive spike in demand for assistance.
“We work with our community, local businesses, the food and grocery sector, and our charity partners providing food ‘gifts’ and personal care packs to people in need throughout the Illawarra, without judgement or discrimination,“Shaz said.
“The demand for our service has increased due to COVID and we have extended our reach and community connection by working with NSW Health to provide food to people who are in isolation and have no family support.
Shaz Harrison, Need a Feed Australia Founder
“The grant from Greater Bank is most welcome and it will help us to continue to provide help to as many people as we can.”
Two runners up, Wollongong Emergency Family Housing and and Orange Sky Laundry - 'Daisy' Van Wollongong, have both received $500 as the runners-up for the month.
Greater Bank’s Illawarra Regional Sales Manager, Greg Creagan, said COVID-19 had hit many people hard.
“Job losses have seen people struggle to make ends meet and having to isolate has cut people off from their usual support networks,” Greg said.
“We are delighted to be able to help Need a Feed Australia continue their work assisting vulnerable members of our community.”
The November round of the #GreaterIllawarra Community Funding Program is now open, with St Luke’s Preschool, Best Friends Forever Rescue Illawarra and Hidden Harvest in contention for a share in the monthly funding of $3,000.
The public can cast their vote online at greater.com.au/greaterillawarra. Voting for the October funding round closes at 5:00pm, Wednesday, 24 November 2021.