In September, JRS Australia was proud to partner with Blacktown Ponds Lions Club Inc (BPLCI) for a massive food drive at Stanhope Village Shopping Centre.  

Led by Lion Mavie Dela Cruz, the BPLCI hold food drives for community organisations regularly, and we were grateful they chose JRS as a recipient for that weekend. 

The team of volunteers on the day were so dedicated, engaging the community in our mission to serve, accompany and advocate for refugees and people seeking asylum, and encouraging shoppers to donate to JRS Australia’s Foodbank.  

The day began at 8:00am, with the setup of banners from both the Lions Club and JRS in front of Aldi. BPLCI supported us in every aspect, from distributing flyers to rallying volunteers, and then to packing and organising the generous donations. 

“It was heartwarming to witness the overwhelming generosity of the community shoppers,” shared Vaish, JRS Australia’s Food and Material Aid Officer.  

“By 11:00am, we had already filled nearly three trolleys with donations. By the end of the day at 3:00pm, we had a trailer full of 150 bags of groceries.” 

Our volunteers also supported us to transport these back to our Foodbank in Parramatta.

We are incredibly grateful to the Blacktown Ponds Lions Club Inc for leading this initiative and generously selecting JRS as the recipient.

Their support and commitment have made a tangible difference in the lives of the refugees and people seeking asylum whom we assist every day.

We look forward to working together again to support refugees and people seeking asylum in our community.

Our Foodbank supports 150 families seeking asylum each week to access groceries and essential personal items they would otherwise have to go without. Learn more here.