Staff volunteers lending a hand
The start of a new year always kicks-off Canterbury’s Staff Community Program for employees to help and give back to the local community.
A newcomer to the program in 2020 is Big Sibs 4 Lil’ Kids where staff volunteers interact with students with special needs from Wangee Park School in fun weekly one hour workshops.
Staff will also be continuing their long partnership with local Punchbowl group, Maronites on Mission, to help feed the homeless at Woolloomooloo and Martin Place. On the last Thursday of every month, staff deliver over 150 hot meals, sandwiches, drinks, snacks and fruit that have been prepared by Canterbury chefs earlier in the day.
Other charities that staff will be fundraising for include the Children’s Medical Research Institute through Jeans for Genes Day, National Breast Cancer Foundation through the ever-popular Pink Week activities and raising awareness for mental health through R U Ok Day.
Another successful partnership with staff has been with Pass It On Clothing to collect clothing and shoes for people living rough on the streets. Last year, staff donated over 250kg of items that are distributed at four “wardrobe locations” in Sydney and Gosford.
Lastly staff will once again be collecting gifts for the community through the Canterbury Gift-Giving Tree at the end of the year.
“Our staff community program is in its seventh year now and its longevity is a true testament to the generous spirit of staff in supporting it. Together we can make a difference and I look forward to another year of Canterbury helping the community,” said Greg Pickering, CEO of Canterbury League Club.