Giving hope to Sydneys most vulnerable
18 December 2015
Christmas is almost upon us and for most families this means a time of relaxation, reflection, festivities and getting together with friends and loved ones. However, for the disadvantaged and marginalised of Sydney, Christmas can be a time of great loneliness and despair.
Now in its 22nd year, NSW pork producers, in conjunction with Australian Pork Limited and NSW Farmers, will today (18 December 2015) donate 250kg of roast pork to The Salvation Army Streetlevel Mission so that Sydney’s needy can enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch.
As part of the pork handover celebration today, NSW Pork Farmers will be hosting a celebratory lunch at The Salvation Army Streetlevel Mission which will be attended by:
- NSW Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich MP;
- City of Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor, Cr Robyn Kemmis; and
- Celebrity Chef, Colin Fassnidge (from My Kitchen Rules).
Chairman of the NSW Farmers’ Pork Committee, Ean Pollard, says this annual tradition is one way NSW Pork Producers are able to say a big thank you to the Australian Community for their support.
“Christmas is such a joyous period of the year,” Mr Pollard said.
“NSW Farmers and Australian Pork Limited are proud to be marking the 22nd year of supporting The Salvation Amy Sydney Streetlevel Mission Christmas Day Lunch.”
Chair of Australian Pork Limited and Foodbank Australia, Enzo Allara, says the donation is an opportunity to support and give hope to those in need at Christmas time.
“Christmas is an economically challenging time for individuals and families who experience financial hardship, homelessness and loneliness,” Mr Allara said.
“It is very pleasing to see NSW Pork Producers continue the tradition of contributing to make Christmas more bearable for those folk in the city that look forward to having pork and ham as part of their Christmas fare.”
Alex Greenwich MP says the Christmas lunch is a reflection of the local community’s generosity and that he is looking forward to helping the volunteers on this special day.
“I’m pleased to again meet up with the local community for this handover event as well as Christmas lunch,” Mr Greenwich said.
“Streetlevel welcomes everyone – a great example of our diverse and inclusive local community – and I’ll be joining 150 volunteers on Christmas Day helping to make sure all who come along can have a special lunch to celebrate this time.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Robyn Kemmis says this tradition is one way that organisations can work together to help Sydney’s most needy over the Christmas period.
“Christmas is a time of giving and for supporting friends, neighbours and the community,” Cr Kemmis said.
“The Salvation Army is a shining light of the spirit of Christmas and I am proud to be in attendance at today’s event in partnership with Australia Pork Limited and NSW Farmers, and I’d like to thank those organisations for supporting our most vulnerable communities during the Festive Season.”
Salvation Army Streetlevel Team Leader, Robyn Evans, says the Christmas day lunch would not be possible without the support of NSW Farmers, Australian Pork Limited, BE Campbell, Foodbank NSW & ACT, Alliance Catering and especially the volunteers
“This is an event for the entire community,” Mrs Evans said.
“We would like to give a big thank you to our 150 volunteers, many of whom will be giving up part of their own Christmas celebrations to cater for the event. We would also like to thank our sponsors because we could not have done this without them.”
The Salvation Army Streetlevel Mission would like to especially thank Alliance Catering who will again this year – as in previous years – pre-cook the pork for the Christmas Day (25 December) lunch being held at Australian Technology Park for 1,500 of Sydney’s most disadvantaged people.
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