Canterbury community program wins ClubsNSW award

Canterbury League Club’s community efforts to feed the homeless in the city has been recognised with a Highly Commended award at the ClubsNSW Club and Community Award last Friday night.

There were fifteen other finalists in the highly contested category of Disability, Welfare & Social Inclusion.

Every month a group of Canterbury staff members, in partnership with local Punchbowl group, Maronites on Mission, hand out approximately 150 hot meals, sandwiches and snacks to homeless people at two different locations in the city – Woolloomooloo Police Station and Martin Place.

Staff volunteers get to mingle with the homeless in between handing out food to everyone – this interaction is just as important as the meals as it provides a human link to a group of people that might feel socially isolated.

Asides from providing staff volunteers, all the food on the homeless food runs are cooked and prepared by Canterbury chefs just a few short hours beforehand.

“Canterbury is very honoured to receive this award and it is a real testament to our staffs’ dedication to giving back to the community. I’d like to thank all staff who have participated and volunteered their time to make a difference in someone’s life,” said Dr George Peponis OAM, Chairman of Canterbury League Club.