Blacktown City Council has answered an urgent call from the food relief organisation Foodbank NSW, for volunteers to work at its giant Glendenning distribution centre.
While the demand for Foodbank's output has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, self-isolation saw a huge reduction in the organisation's volunteer workforce.
Council stepped in and offered staff members, who were under employed due to COVID-19 restrictions on Council operations, the chance to work alongside the volunteers at Foodbank.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said, "Council and Foodbank have been long time partners in our City. During the recent bushfire emergency, we set-up collection points for donations of non-perishable foodstuffs and personal hygiene items, and delivered them to Foodbank.
"This is a win-win-win situation. It helps Foodbank maintain its vital services, provides real work for our staff during a time of reduced Council operations and gives them a sense of pride and connection with our community."
Foodbank NSW Chief Operations Officer, John Robertson said, "We supply up to 250 charities with food supplies as well as running the 'School Breakfast 4 Health' program.
"Foodbank depends on its volunteer workforce to keep the supplies moving. But self-isolation and the closing of corporate offices under COVID-19 restrictions saw our volunteer numbers drop dramatically.
"A number of organisations including Blacktown City Council have answered the call and provided staff to fill the gap in our volunteer workforce."
Kellie Maybury normally staffs the kiosks at the Mount Druitt and Emerton Swimming Centres, but with the pools closed she took up the offer of redeploying to Foodbank.
"It's actually been really good. There's a lot of variety in the work and I feel proud to be doing something to help the community at this time. Also, a change is always good for you," Kellie said as she stacked boxes of sausages.
Photo from left: Mayor Tony Bleasdale Kerrie-Anne Reid, Kelly Maybury, Gerado Calizaya, John Robertson, and Erin Jones.
