Inclusive and resilient communities are built on the foundations of charity work and driven by a shared objective to solve challenges such as food insecurity and childhood illness.
International Day of Charity, which takes place on September 5 each year, was established to raise awareness about the role of charitable organisations in addressing social and economic challenges.
One of the most concerning challenges currently impacting WA is food insecurity, with recent data revealing that 34 per cent of Western Australians were food insecure.
Foodbank Hunger Report 2024 found that about 370,000 households in the state experienced food insecurity during the 2023-24 financial year.
Of those households, nearly 200,000 faced food insecurity rated ‘severe’ level, with one in five individuals going without food for days.
Certain demographics are disproportionately affected by food insecurity with Indigenous communities, particularly in regional and remote areas, facing higher rates.
In the Kimberley region for example, children are among those most in need of food relief.
Low-income households, single-parent families and individuals experiencing homelessness are also at heightened risk.
But there is hope, as businesses and organisations have the ability to serve a vital role in helping to end poverty and food insecurity.
Data found that 34 per cent of Western Australians were food insecure in 2024.
By donating surplus food, providing financial support, and investing in community programs, they can ensure that nutritious food reaches those in need.
Foodbank WA chief executive Kate O’Hara said workplace giving initiatives, corporate volunteering and partnerships with local charities amplify impact to build stronger, more resilient communities.
“Additionally, businesses can address systemic issues by supporting fair wages, ethical supply chains, and education programs that empower individuals and families to achieve long-term food security,” Ms O’Hara said.
“Together, these actions help create a society where everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.”
“We also see systemic inequalities such as historical and ongoing social and economic disparities that continue to contribute to the vulnerability of certain communities.” Foodbank WA CEO Kate O'Hara
Ms O’Hara said the primary cause driving food insecurity in WA was the significant cost of living.
“Rising housing, utility, and food costs are outpacing wage growth, forcing individuals to be selective with their basic necessities,” Ms O’Hara said.
“Many households in rural and remote areas also have limited access to nutritious food as their geographical isolation hampers access to affordable, healthy food options.
“We also see systemic inequalities such as historical and ongoing social and economic disparities that continue to contribute to the vulnerability of certain communities.”
While there are government subsidies and welfare payments aimed at helping individuals and families with the cost of living, these have not kept pace with inflation.
“Many organisations and advocates are calling for additional support from government to address the growing issue of food insecurity in WA,” Ms O’Hara added.
“Foodbank WA strongly support the Raise the Rate for Good Campaign.”
Raise the Rate for Good is an initiative of the Australian Council of Social Service and is campaigning for increases in government income support payments to ensure everyone can cover the basics.
The initiative aims to empower the community to lead political change, hold leaders accountable and change the narrative of poverty in Australia.
Childhood cherished by doubled charity impact
Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF) is another charitable organisation striving to build inclusive and resilient communities across WA, specialising in improving the lives of sick children.
Reflecting its mission, PCHF has launched a new fundraiser Give for Kids Day to take place on September 19 and support for more than 100,000 babies and children who visit Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) every year.
One of these children is seven-year-old Jordan Mould who has a rare genetic respiratory condition that leads to chronic lung, ear and sinus infections.
Jordan Mould frequents Perth Children's Hospital due to his rare genetic respiratory condition.
He was diagnosed with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) when he was two years old and visits PCH every week for physiotherapy, respiratory and immunology care.
Jordan’s mother Shannon Mould said something as simple as the common cold could land her son in hospital for two to three weeks.
“PCD is incurable and means, as well as frequent infections, he may also require a lung transplant in the future,” Ms Mould said.
Despite his health challenges Jordan lives life to the fullest, embracing new opportunities that come his way, including becoming a PCHF ambassador.
“It’s fun to be part of PCHF because I get to do different things,” Jordan said.
“I get to meet different people, have fun experiences and forget for a little while about my lungs.”
PCHF is aiming to raise $450,000 on Give for Kids Day to fund life-changing care for WA’s sick children through a blend of cutting-edge equipment and technology, ground-breaking research, world-class expertise, and positive patient experiences.
As a PCHF ambassador, Jordan Mould participated in the PCHF Kids' Clinic in May.
For one day only, every gift will be doubled thanks to generous donors, and the funds raised will double the care, double the support and double the impact for children and families like Jordan’s.
“You should donate so sick kids like me can get better quicker,” Jordan said.
PCHF chief executive Carrick Robinson said Give for Kids Day was an exciting new addition to the PCHF fundraising calendar and would help give sick kids the childhood they deserved.
“Many children have their lives interrupted and put on hold by illness and injury,” Mr Robinson said.
“As WA’s only charity solely dedicated to supporting Perth Children’s Hospital and wider Health Service, PCHF’s new Give for Kids Day will ensure more kids have access to world-class care to help them recover faster so they can get back to being kids.”
To donate to Give for Kids Day, visit https://pchf.org.au/give-for-kids/
By Hearts and Minds
