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.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greece outclassed by Denmark in World Cup qualifier

Greece were left frustrated on home soil as they slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Denmark in Piraeus on Monday night.

Twin pays heartfelt tribute after shark attack claims surfer Mercury Psillakis’ life

The brother of surfer Mercury Psillakis, killed in a shark attack off Dee Why Beach, has shared a tribute describing their unbreakable bond.

‘Greece and Romiosyni have no borders’: Renos Haralambidis brings his films to Australia

Renos Haralambidis will be honoured with a retrospective at the 30th Greek Film Festival in Sydney this October, showcasing five films.

Nico Lazaridi wines shine at exclusive Sydney hospitality dinner

Nico Lazaridi organised a wine dinner at Alpha Dining on Tuesday night to promote the PGI wines they produce across northern Greece.

Box Hill couple Michael and Rita Nicolaou deny delaying $27m school project

Michael and Rita Nicolaou, who sold their Box Hill property to the state, have denied claims of holding up construction of two new schools.

You May Also Like

South Australia’s Pontians commemorate genocide with wreath laying ceremony

The Pontian Greek genocide was commemorated by the Pontian Brotherhood of South Australia Inc in Adelaide.

Property expert, Peter Koulizos, shares his top tips on how to retire comfortably

Property Investment Professionals of Australia chairman, Peter Koulizos, shares his top tips on how to retire comfortably.

Eleni Raptis honoured for lifetime of service to Saint Anna Parish on the Gold Coast

Archbishop Makarios of Australia has bestowed one of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia's highest honours upon Eleni Raptis.