The NSW Police Force Aviation Command has officially challenged local emergency services and law enforcement agencies worldwide, to "Get Stuffed!" for charity.
The "Stuff Your Chopper" initiative began overseas in the aviation industry, calling on organisations to fill an aircraft with items for a nominated charity. This year, the NSW Police Force Aviation Command's challenge has been extended to all emergency services to "Get Stuffed" by filling any available vehicle, vessel or aircraft.
PolAir staff have collected a 'chopper' of donations which will be handed over to Foodbank NSW and ACT who will use this to provide assistance to those falling on hard times during the Christmas and holiday period.
Foodbank is a non-profit organisation established in 1992 and acts as a pantry to charities and community groups that provide food to those in need.
NSW Police Commissioner, Michael Fuller APM, was joined by Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott MP, earlier today (Wednesday 27 November 2019) to launch the initiative and set the challenge.
Commissioner Fuller said police frequently go above and beyond the call of duty to help community members, and this is just another way to show their support to those in need.
"We know there are those in our community who tend to do it tough around the Christmas period – this for us is a way to give back and support a worthy cause," Commissioner Fuller said.
"This initiative is now in its fifth year and has already helped deliver over 45 tonnes of food to be distributed to where it is needed most.
"This year, many parts of the state have suffered from drought, and more recently from the devastating bushfires – so we would encourage anyone who can help to contribute to this important cause.
"This year, we're asking any law enforcement agency or emergency service to get involved so we can make the holiday season a little brighter for those who need it most.
"With less than a month until Christmas, NSW Police is getting into the festival spirit, and I urge all my colleagues to do the same. Together we can make a real difference," Commissioner Fuller said.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott MP, encouraged the community to rally behind the emergency services of NSW who have worked tirelessly this year to keep the state safe.
"Historically, the Rural Fire Service have always been a significant contributor to the 'Stuff Your Chopper' campaign, however in the past month alone we have seen that their efforts have been needed elsewhere to battle the catastrophic bushfires which affected many," Mr Elliott said.
"Sadly, several people this Christmas will be without their homes, possessions, and in some tragic cases, without their loved ones.
"I am encouraging everyone in the community to rally behind our police officers, our firefighters, and all our emergency service personnel, to help make sure that all of those families in need do not go without," Mr Elliott said.
Foodbank NSW and ACT CEO, Gerry Andersen said the initiative was of huge value around Christmas and New Year, when going without is particularly amplified.
"It is with great joy that we have partnered with NSW Police and emergency services for the past five years to help Aussie kids and families relax a little and enjoy the holiday period," said Mr Andersen.
"In NSW and ACT, Foodbank helps over 373,173 people a month, providing over 21.4 million meals, last year however a whopping 35% more food is required to meet the increasing demand.
"The combined efforts of all involved in the "Stuff Your Chopper" challenge will go a long way to ensuring full bellies and happy minds over December and January," said Mr Andersen.
Aviation Commander, Superintendent Matt Appleton, congratulated the officers across the command for continuing to support and organise this unique charity drive.
"I am very proud of every officer involved in this initiative and I encourage members of other emergency services, as well as those in the wider community, to make donations to Foodbank," Supt Appleton said.
"No matter how big or small, any donation will make an enormous difference to those in need this festive season."
For more information about Foodbank NSW & ACT visit: https://www.foodbank.org.au/?state=nsw-act
