Fremantle Ports backs Doorstep Dinners

Fremantle Ports has committed $10,000 to St Patrick’s Community Support Centre’s ‘Doorstep Dinners’ pilot program, designed to support the growing food relief emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Doorstep Dinners simultaneously boosts Fremantle’s hospitality sector at a time when it’s most needed, through local food outlets providing the meals at cost, helping them in turn to sustain employment.

The contribution has been made possible through Fremantle Ports’ community investment program.

“This is a smart, local, response to Fremantle’s needs during COVID-19 and we’re delighted to help it succeed,” said Fremantle Ports CEO Chris Leatt-Hayter.

“COVID-19 has brought challenges to our community on so many levels, so it’s very pleasing to see Fremantle people and organisations working together on solutions like this one.

“St Patrick’s Community Support Centre is an important and well-recognised service provider in Fremantle and it’s been excellent to see organisations like the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, NGOs and the business community show great leadership by backing Doorstep Dinners,” Mr Leatt-Hayter said.

“We want to be part of that,” he said.

COVID-19 has seen many restaurants, cafes and other hospitality businesses in Fremantle close or curtail their hours, with staff stood down, in response to social distancing requirements.

Approximately 200 meals are produced locally each day via Doorstep Dinners and delivered via a volunteer network. This supports those in need including people who are physically and socially isolated, or experiencing poverty or homelessness.

Michael Piu, CEO at St Patrick’s Community Support Centre, said he was truly grateful for Fremantle Ports’ contribution and looked forward to Doorstep Dinners continuing to create a cycle of economic stimulus and food relief.

Find out more about Doorstep Dinners here.