Dinner Thanks To The Salvos
02 June 2021
For more than 10 years Werribee FC and the Salvation Army Wyndham City have supported one another and recently as part of Red Shield Appeal week WFC players and staff were treated to a post-training dinner cooked generously by the local Salvos team.
In terms of proximity Werribee FC and the Salvation Army Wyndham City branch couldn’t be closer. The fact the two are merely 100 metres apart helps when one is providing takeaway meals for a team of hungry footballers who have just completed their main training session for the week.
On May 25 as part of Red Shield Appeal week, Werribee FC players and staff were treated to a post-training dinner cooked generously by the local Salvos team. The latest COVID outbreak meant both parties weren’t able to sit down together as planned, at the Salvos’ Watton Street complex, but no one went hungry with the Salvos heading across to Avalon Airport Oval to provide everyone with takeaway meals.
“We are really thankful to have such a great relationship with the Salvos,” WFC Community Manager Hamish MacInnes said.
“The Salvos team are such great people to work with and it’s fantastic to be given the opportunity through them to support the local people of Wyndham. The dinner provided by Phil, Kathy, Katherine and the rest of the team was a big hit, and we look forward to continuing to grow our partnership with the Salvos into the future.”
When accepting meals on the night players and staff donated to the Red Shield Appeal with the money raised helping to provide free lunches for Wyndham people in need.
Prior to the fourth Victorian lockdown that was about 35-40 lunches per day according to Salvation Army Wyndham City Captain Phil Abraham, who says the longstanding relationship with WFC is one he's very thankful for.
“We’re grateful for the support of the Werribee football club, not only the financial support but the awareness that Mark Penaluna (WFC, CEO) and the board members offer,” he said.
“Pena will come over and have a yarn and tell us about what’s going on, ask how the club can help and I think that really makes a big difference for the relationship. It’s a proper relationship where he wants to support something that makes a difference to people, and there is a real heart for the community of Werribee outside of the footy club.
“Providing a meal for the Werribee players and staff was something we enjoyed doing, everyone was certainly very thankful and we didn't have many leftovers at the end, maybe six bits of meat.”
The Salvos will hope to be back at Avalon Airport Oval soon for Welcome to Werribee Day where they will provide a barbeque for football goers.
In the meantime, you can support the Salvation Army Wyndhamn City by donating to the Red Shield Appeal. To donate click HERE.