Western United will once again partner with Happsa Group and Foodbank Victoria to help put meals on the table for thousands of Victorians in need.
The Goals to Fight Hunger campaign will see the donation total doubled to $400 – or 800 meals – donated to Foodbank Victoria for every goal scored by Western United in the 2022/23 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season.
The inaugural campaign for the 2021/22 season saw United donate 75,200 meals after scoring 40 goals in the regular season.
That total also included a major injection from the Foodbank Round, which saw United raise awareness for all of the work that Foodbank Victoria does in the lead up to a 3-2 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.
Western United CEO Chris Pehlivanis said he is delighted to see the initiative return as the Club remains committed to helping local communities, particularly in the West.
“We saw great success from this initiative last season and I am very pleased that we are able to bring it back in season 2022/23,” he said.
“It is extremely important for us as a Club to recognise the work that Foodbank Victoria does in keeping everyone in our community safe and ensuring they have food on the table.
“Foodbank Round last season really resonated with our players and fans, and hopefully this season we can score even more goals and eclipse our total.”
The Goals to Fight Hunger initiative will run for the entire A-League Men season, meaning 400 meals have already been donated courtesy of Nicolas Milanovic’s Round 1 strike against Melbourne City.
John Aloisi’s men will be out to add to the total in the Club’s first home match of the season against Sydney FC on Sunday.
“It seems like this relationship is good karma. Let’s see, since Goals To Fight Hunger was launched last year, Western United won the A-League, and Foodbank fed more people,” said Foodbank Victoria CEO Dave McNamara.
“We’re stoked to be involved again and thanks to our generous, big-hearted supporter Happsa for doubling the donation from $200 to $400 per goal this season. It means more food gets to more people in our community who need it right now. Bring on the goals!”
“We are pleased to continue our joint partnership with both Foodbank and Western United on the Goals to Fight Hunger campaign,” Happsa Group Managing Director of Operations, Harry Georgiou said.
“This partnership is an avenue for us to support our community and feed families. Last year our donation created 15,200 meals through the Goals to Fight Hunger initiative and this year we have pledged to significantly increase that amount.”
“Our aim to shed light on a community issue and hope that we inspire others to support Foodbank and donate to Victorian families in need.”
The 2021 Foodbank Hunger Report shows that 1 in 6 adults in Victoria hadn’t had enough to eat in the past year, and a staggering 1.2 million children have gone without enough food in that time.
If you would like to learn more about their work and donate to Foodbank Victoria, head to foodbank.org.au.
