The GIANTS have officially launched the ‘GIANT Hand’ project which sees club partnering with a range of community organisations to provide 1000 meals a week to vulnerable members of those communities facing the most severe lockdown conditions in Western Sydney as a result of the current COVID outbreak.

The ‘GIANT Hand’ initiative will see the club deliver 1000 meals per week over the next five weeks to targeted Western Sydney communities, with all meals being prepared at the club’s training and administration base at Sydney Olympic Park.

The program is being conducted in partnership with Multicultural New South Wales and with contactless delivery of the meals facilitated by GIANTS staff, local schools and community organisations such as Campsie LAC Police, the Lighthouse Community Support Network and the Addison Road Community Organisation.

GIANTS Head of Community Ali Faraj said the ‘GIANT Hand’ project was an important extension of the club’s community outreach agenda in light of the current COVID challenges.  

“A lot of people in Western Sydney are doing it really tough at the moment and as an organisation we’ve always been very aware of the role we can play in the community to support those most vulnerable,” Faraj said.

“One of the key planks of the GIANTS purpose is to enrich the lives of the communities in which operate and many communities in Western Sydney are currently dealing with challenges they’ve not seen before. We know of a lot of people who, for various reasons, who are struggling to put food on the table for their families right now, which is why we’ve devised this initiative.

“The ‘GIANT Hand’ program wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Multicultural NSW and our community partners, and we encourage everyone to do what they can to assist those in need during this difficult time.”

GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews added, “I’d like to acknowledge Joseph La Posta who’s doing a tremendous job at Multicultural NSW during this challenging time as well as our Head of Community Ali Faraj who’s an outstanding leader.

“We have always prided ourselves on our contribution to the community and this initiative is a great example of the work being done in this space.”

GIANTS Chairman Tony Shepherd said a program like this is only possible thanks to the tireless work of many people behind the scenes.

“I’d like to thank the New South Wales Government, in particular Multicultural NSW and Minister Natalie Ward who’s a big advocate for the work we do as a club and works tirelessly for the community more broadly.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Natalie Ward said the NSW Government was delighted to support this initiative.

“The GWS GIANTS should be congratulated on this wonderful program to provide meals to some of our most vulnerable members of our community, at a time when they really need it,” Mrs Ward said.

“They truly are giants of the community. It’s so important we all work together and support each other as we confront this pandemic.”   

The club would also like to thank MD Provodores, Fattaylel Small Goods and The Butcher on Wellington for their support of this initiative.

The GIANTS will be delivering meals to those in need across Western Sydney for at least the next month with the program to be extended when and if required.