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‘Feed a Need’, take two!

Saturday, June 6, 2020 - 11:08 AM by Matt Ogg

March 2020 saw the Swan Districts Football Club prepared to open their doors to the homeless and hungry around Perth, providing them with warm food, a cool drink and a place to socialise with staff, volunteers and other community members who were doing it tough.

But before this powerful initiative could get off the ground, it was shut down due to the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic.

2 months on, and with the State Governments recent ease on restrictions, the club can now provide this great service to those who are struggling.

Every Wednesday from the 24th June, anyone in need of food can head to Steel Blue Oval and enjoy a bacon and egg burger, piece of fruit and a fruit drink, between 7:30am-9am.

Ross Leipold, the Swan Districts Operations Manager appreciates working for a sporting organisation who prides themselves on how they can help the community, and not simply just be focused on the game itself.

‘We’re pretty unique, because we are the only WAFL footy club that’s doing anything like this, with the vision of not just being a football club, but getting out there and helping people that are in need’ he said.

‘It’s just really sad that we’ve got people out there who are struggling to keep warm, struggling to know where their next meal is coming from, and if we can do our bit to make their day or their week just a little bit better by giving them a decent feed one morning a week, then we’re doing the right thing.

Ross also understands the importance of businesses and community members sharing this service to those in need.

‘Local organisations and individuals will know of homeless people and families that are struggling a bit, and want a feed’ he says. ‘Whilst it’s aimed for the homeless, anyone who needs a feed is more than welcome to come along.’

Jim Dougan, the Swan Districts part-time facilities officer, and his partner Gill are the originators of this caring initiative and rely on volunteers to help provide this service to the community. So, if you can spare some time, in any capacity to help those in need, we encourage you to contact the club on 9279 8700.

SPONSORED BY: Chris Stannage, IGA Midland, Smith Broughton Auctioneers and Coles Bassendean.