After receiving a call for help from our friends at Lomandra Community Project about elderly residents struggling to keep warm through winter, OzHarvest Sydney team sprang into action to reach out to some of our amazing partners.

Thanks to our friends at IHG and Virgin Australia, who immediately jumped on board, providing 150 winter blankets, 50 duvets and pillows, as well as toiletries, to help support the community in southwest Sydney.

Audrey Nable at the Lomandra Community Project said, “We are seeing more people than ever struggling – it is an incredibly tough time for the community right now. The recent donation of blankets, duvets and pillows was gratefully received and allowed us to provide warmth and comfort, helping to reduce some of the burdens that many are facing right now.”

“Receiving a warm meal, a bag of groceries or a warm blanket has a huge impact – parents have left with tears in their eyes and elderly community members can go to bed warm. This extra support has made such a difference.”

Chris Waite from IHG Hotels & Resorts said, “As an Awesome Partner, IHG is always ready to quickly step up and support the amazing work OzHarvest does to care for our community, whether it’s providing meals, fundraising, volunteering or various other contributions. We were so proud of our hotel teams as they rallied quickly in July to donate blankets, bedding and toiletries to OzHarvest to support Lomandra. We hope that they made a difference at a time when the world needs that little bit of extra generosity.”

As lockdown continues in NSW, more and more people are experiencing food insecurity, many for the first time in their lives. You can help OzHarvest Sydney support struggling communities by donating the cost of a hamper. Each hamper is filled with food essentials such as pasta, rice and fresh fruit and vegetables, and is distributed to people in need.

Head here to donate a hamper today.