Maitland rugby league fans are urged to support a Hunter-based food drive to help some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.
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Newcastle Knights and major sponsor nib called on the generosity of loyal fans to donate non-perishable food items at Friday’s NRL match against the Sydney Roosters at Hunter Stadium.
The food collection drive will help support nib foundation’s charitable partner, OzHarvest, whose distinctive yellow vans will be located outside the stadium’s western and southern gates where fans can drop off their donations.
OzHarvest will distribute the food items donated at the match to charities across the Hunter, making a positive difference for some of the region’s most vulnerable people.
Knights back-rower Robbie Rochow spent time with the OzHarvest crew during the week to get an insight to the work they carry out across the Hunter.
Rochow said donating canned or other non-perishable food items at the match was a simple way for Knights fans to make a big difference.
“Sadly, for many people across the region, preparing a meal and putting food on the table is not a viable option every day. Friday night we can all make a difference and help those who need it the most,” Rochow said.
“It’s as simple as grabbing a couple of cans of food out of the pantry that you may not need and bring them along to the match. OzHarvest will then distribute it to the Hunter charities to help meet demand for food relief.”
OzHarvest’s Newcastle manager Monique Maguire said she was delighted with the opportunity that nib foundation and the Newcastle Knights have provided and hopes the kindness of the Knights fans will be readily displayed on Friday night.
“The food we rescue from business across the region currently provides around 52,000 meals per month to Hunter charities,” Ms Maguire said.
“Unfortunately though, there is still so much need in our community. This is a great opportunity for Knights fans to help OzHarvest meet this growing demand for food relief in our region.”
OzHarvest has rescued more than 736 tonnes of surplus perishable food since its establishment in 2010 – the equivalent of almost 2.2 million meals.
For more information about OzHarvest or to become a food donor visit www.ozharvest.org or phone 49400767.