Knights fans urged to support OzHarvest food drive

Newcastle Knights and major sponsor, nib, are calling on the generosity of loyal fans to donate non-perishable food items at this Friday night’s NRL match against the Sydney Roosters at Hunter Stadium.

The food collection drive will help support nib foundation’s charitable partner, OzHarvest, opens in a new tab, whose distinctive yellow vans will be located outside the stadium’s western and southern gates where fans can drop off their donations.

OzHarvest will distribute the food items donated at the match to charities across the Hunter, making a positive difference for some of the region’s most vulnerable people.

In-form Knights back rower, Robbie Rochow, spent time with the OzHarvest crew during the week to get an insight to the work they carry out across the Hunter.

Robbie said that donating canned or other non-perishable food items at the match was a very simple way for Knights fans to make a big difference.

“Sadly, for many people across the region, preparing a meal and putting food on the table is not a viable option everyday. This Friday night we can all make a difference and help those who need it the most,” Robbie said.

“It’s as simple as grabbing a couple of cans of food out of the pantry that you may not need and bring them along to the match. OzHarvest will then distribute it to Hunter charities to help meet demand for food relief.”

OzHarvest’s Newcastle Manager, Monique Maguire, said that she was delighted with the opportunity that nib foundation and the Newcastle Knights have provided and hopes the kindness of the Knights fans will be readily displayed on Friday night.

“The food we rescue from business across the region currently provides around 52,000 meals per month to Hunter charities. Unfortunately though, there is still so much need in our community. This is a great opportunity for Knights fans to help OzHarvest meet this growing demand for food relief in our region,” Monique said.

With the ongoing support of program partners including nib foundation, OzHarvest has rescued more than 736 tonnes of surplus perishable food since its establishment in 2010 – the equivalent of almost 2.2 million meals.

To find out more about the work undertaken by OzHarvest in the region, or how to become a food donor, go to www.ozharvest.org, opens in a new tab or phone (02) 4940 0767.