October 12, 2020
Alcoa and Foodbank WA partnership delivering results
A purpose-built, locally targeted campaign to help people across a number of communities in the south west deal with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic is delivering real results.
Since May, funding provided by the Alcoa Foundation has enabled Foodbank WA to distribute 1600 hampers containing essential supplies to 850 families and individuals in need.
The support forms part of Alcoa’s broader partnership with Foodbank WA and Anglicare to help communities near where the resources company operates. This covers the local government areas of Kwinana, Murray and Waroona and parts of Serpentine-Jarrahdale and Harvey.
Through its global charity the Alcoa Foundation, Alcoa has committed $420,000 to ensure local people have food on their table as well as access to important support services for things like mental health, accommodation, dealing with domestic violence, and financial and family counselling
Foodbank WA CEO Greg Hebble said they were delighted to be helping those most in need.
“We know there are a growing number of people doing it particularly tough at the moment, so we’re delighted to be collaborating with Alcoa and other local organisations to step up our emergency food relief efforts and provide essential food items and groceries to those most in need,” Mr Hebble said.
Alcoa Australia Corporate Affairs Director Jodie Read said Alcoa’s employee giving program PEACH (Personnel Employed at Alcoa Charity Help) had also thrown its support behind Foodbank WA with a $6,000 donation, delivered in conjunction with AWA Bank.
Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson said COVID-19 had created a new level of hardship in the community and demand for support services was beginning to increase.
“As well as taking a financial toll, the ongoing crisis is affecting mental health and family relationships. Through our partnership with Alcoa, we will be working with local community services over the next nine months to deliver support to families and individuals struggling with mental health, family relationships and financial hardship,” Mr Glasson said.
Anyone needing help can call 1800 979 777 for support from Foodbank WA and 1300 114 446 for Anglicare WA.