Penrith volunteer Beth Spanos named 2024 Westfield Local Hero

·

Elizabeth (Beth) Spanos has been named a 2024 Westfield Local Hero for Penrith in Sydney, New South Wales. Beth has been recognised for her service in providing nutritious meals to those in need through her volunteer work at Penrith Community Kitchen.

Westfield has awarded a community grant of $20,000 to help Beth at Penrith Community Kitchen to continue to grow their impact in the local community. Beyond simply offering food, the kitchen fosters community and combats social isolation.

“In the 25+ years we’ve operated, we’ve learnt that it’s not always hunger that drives people to us,” Beth explains. “It can also be loneliness, a lack of skill, or an inability to shop due to poor health or mobility.”

With Beth‘s support, the kitchen has recently expanded to collaborate with 12 local schools, providing pantry food and frozen meals for students to take home to family members.

Beth’s empathy and dedication stem from her own childhood experiences of community support following her mother’s passing. This personal history drives her to give back and support others in need.

“My belief is that if you can avoid going hungry, your outlook can change. And if you have someone who will listen to and care for you, even if it’s only briefly, you can feel safe. And that’s how the world can become a little brighter,” Beth says.

Under her guidance, Penrith Community Kitchen serves 500 people weekly and impacts many more by addressing hunger and fostering a supportive community environment.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities. The finalist with the most community votes is the Westfield Penrith Local Hero for 2024, receiving a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent. Penrith Community Kitchen will use the grant to provide food to 12 local schools, ensuring no child goes hungry.

Source: Westfield.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, updates the state’s roadmap out of lockdown

NSW will take its first steps towards reopening as the state passes the 70 per cent double vaccination target.

South Melbourne FC’s new jersey revealed

The presentation of the Hellas Melbourne shirt took place, which took place on Thursday 11 May in the club's clubhouse.

Sakkari takes out Ostapenko to advance to Ostrava Open quarter-final

It was an eventful game at the CEZ Arena of Ostrava as Maria Sakkari beat the Latvian Jelena Ostapenko