Greenfields local Leandri Cronje has been named a WA finalist in the Coles Community Food Relief Champion Awards for her contributions to Bridge Builders Inc.
Ms Cronje has volunteered for the local charity since 2018 and now works as operations manager overseeing community food relief programs that support local families doing it tough.
Camera IconBridge Builders operations manager Leandri Cronje. Credit: Supplied
She has helped expand food relief support in response to growing community need and has played a key role in growing the Backpack Buddies initiative into a structured program supporting more than 280 children each weekend.
Ms Cronje said she felt honoured and excited to be named a finalist.
“It has never been about recognition, though, but knowing that what we do is making a real difference in people’s lives,” she said.
“If being recognised can also inspire someone else to get involved, then that makes it even more special.
“I really hope everyone gets the opportunity to find their purpose. I have surely found mine, doing what I love, while helping the Mandurah community that welcomed me with open arms.”
Bridge Builders CEO Kelly Hinder said she felt very lucky to have Ms Cronje beside her at the charity.
“I’ve seen first-hand just how much of herself Leandri gives to our organisation and the families we support,” Ms Hinder said.
“As CEO, I’m incredibly proud to see her recognised nationally. But on a personal level, I’m even prouder to see someone who gives so much, often without seeking any recognition, have her contribution acknowledged.”
Camera IconBridge Builders operations manager Leandri Cronje. Credit: Supplied
Through the Community Food Relief Champion Awards, Coles is contributing $60,000 to local food relief champions and their charities across Australia.
As a finalist, Ms Cronje’s organisation will receive a $1000 Coles gift card to support its food relief work.
“The people coming through our doors aren’t always who you’d expect. We’re seeing working families, people with mortgages and double incomes who are still finding it tough to put food on the table,” Ms Cronje said.
“At the same time, we’re seeing schools asking for more support because they know there are kids going hungry over the weekend. That’s why programs like Backpack Buddies matter so much.”
The awards go hand in hand with Coles’ first Community Food Relief Appeal in partnership with SecondBite and Foodbank, giving its customers a new way to help provide more meals to Australians facing food hardship.
Coles chief executive officer Leah Weckert said the appeal gave customers and suppliers a way to support the work food relief partners do every day.
“We know many Australians are doing it tough. While food relief alone cannot address the broader cost-of-living pressures facing households, it can provide vital and immediate support for people who are going without,” she said.
“Every day, our team members set aside unsold, edible food for SecondBite and Foodbank so it can reach local charities and communities where it is needed most.”
Customers can donate at any Coles checkout nationally until September 1. The appeal has helped provide more than 377 million meals to Australians in need to date.