Parramatta Leagues Club is calling on staff, club members and the community to donate this week to Parramatta Mission’s Homelessness Week food drive.
The national campaign, running from 4 to 10 August, highlights the growing problem of homelessness across the country.
Community members are asked to donate non-perishable food and toiletries to the cause, by dropping in to any of the club’s three venues, or by donating funds online.
The organisations encourage the community to consider adding even one item to their weekly grocery shop to donate, such as long-life milk or energy bars.
Toiletries are also welcome, along with socks and jocks.
In Parramatta alone, the Parramatta Street Count found that the number of people sleeping rough has risen by an alarming eighty-five per cent from last year.
Australia-wide, it is estimated that more than 122,000 people are currently experiencing homelessness.
Key drivers of homelessness include housing costs, domestic violence, financial hardship and health challenges.
As well as food, Parramatta Mission offers services such as housing, mental health care, and employment pathways.
Parramatta Leagues Club has joined Dooley’s Lidcombe Catholic Club and an anonymous donor to triple every donation received, up to $40,000, during Homelessness Week.
