Gosford RSL Club has stepped up to the plate to help Coast Shelter while it is impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions. With the Shelter’s volunteers are in lockdown, the Club’s chefs and staff are working hard to cook wholesome meals for daily delivery to the charity and are calling for the community to play its part.
“As we are all facing the challenges of another lockdown, we here at Gosford RSL were thinking about what we could do to help others who might be struggling more than we are,” CEO Russell Cooper said.
“We also thought about how people at home might be able to help out and contribute.”
Cooper said the Club has had a long-standing relationship with Coast Shelter.
“Coast Shelter is a not-for-profit charity which provides accommodation and support programs for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or escaping domestic and family violence,” he said.
“Coast Shelter has been operating for 26 years and provides accommodation to over 200 men, women, families and youth every night.
“In addition to this, Coast Shelter also coordinates the provision of over 1,000 free meals every week through the Coast Community Centre (which) operates thanks to corporate support, fundraising activities, donations and an amazing volunteer workforce.
“The Community Centre is open seven days a week and provides over 150 free meals each day.
“Unfortunately, due to the current lockdowns the volunteers have been unable to attend the centre and provide their much needed and appreciated service.
“Gosford RSL has been supplying meals to Soul Soup since 2019, another amazing program whose goal is to help the less fortunate on the Central Coast and are now more than happy to ramp it up even more to help Coast Shelter feed our homeless.
“The Club would also like to invite the community to jump on board and help us help them.
“We would appreciate donations of any non-perishable/canned food items.
“You might pick up some extra food to donate next time you do your grocery shopping or when you’re cleaning out your pantry.
“Contactless donation drop off points are located at the Club entry.
“(They are) completely contact-free and all packaging will be sanitised.”
Some items which would be suitable for donation are canned vegetables (tomatoes, beans, corn, peas), pasta, rice, chickpeas, lentils coconut cream, tomato paste, canned tuna and vegetable oil.
Another way the community can support Coast Shelter is to sponsor Cooper, who will be sleeping (maybe not too much sleep) at the Coast Shelter Sleepout on August 6.
For details go to https://coastsheltersleepout.com.au/russell-cooper.
Source:
Media release, Jul 29
Gosford RSL