Newcastle Knights forward Robbie Rochow is calling on the generosity of loyal Members and fans to donate non-perishable food items at this Friday night’s match against the Sydney Roosters at Hunter Stadium.
The food collection drive will help support nib foundation’s charitable partner, OzHarvest, whose distinctive yellow van will be located outside the stadium’s western and southern gates where fans can drop off their donations.
The in-form back rower spent time with the OzHarvest crew during the week to get an insight to the work they carry out across the Hunter, making a positive difference for some of the region’s most vulnerable people.
Rochow said that donating canned or other non-perishable food items at the match was a very 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 everyday," he said.
"This Friday night we can all make a difference and help those who need it the most.
“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 Hunter charities to help meet demand for food relief.”
OzHarvest plays an important role rescuing food from restaurants and other food outlets from around the region that would otherwise be discarded before distributing to local charities that provide meals to vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians. OzHarvest delivers the equivalent of 52,000 meals per month.
With the ongoing support of program partners including nib foundation, OzHarvest has rescued more than 736 tonnes of surplus perishable food since its establishment in 2010 – the equivalent of almost 2.2 million meals.
To find out more about the work undertaken by OzHarvest in the region, or how to become a food donor, go to www.ozharvest.org or phone (02) 4940 0767.
