A Sporting Chance Christmas food drive
Published on 16 November 2023
The Shire of Broome is running a food drive to gift Christmas hampers to the young participants of its A Sporting Chance youth diversionary program.
Donations can be made until December 15 at the Shire Administration Building, Broome Public Library, and, as of the end of November, Coles in Chinatown.
Items that can be donated include:
- Non-perishable food items (long-life milk, tinned food, rice, pasta, oil)
- Christmas treats (biscuits, pudding, chips, lollies, Christmas crackers)
- Small gifts (toys, books, games, stationery).
Shire of Broome President Chris Mitchell said the Christmas Food Drive is a valuable extension of A Sporting Chance that provides these families in need with essential pantry staples but also celebratory items that bring joy over the holiday period.
“Some of the kids in the program won’t be in a position to have a Christmas meal and give or receive gifts,” Shire President Mitchell said.
“Donating to the program will help ease the pressure for the families during this time.
“When the kids see what the public has gifted them it will help them feel more connected to the community.”
He thanked the community for the generous donations that have already been received.
“It is uplifting to see the community come together to support Broome's disadvantaged families, especially during the holidays.”
Launched in June 2023, A Sporting Chance runs at the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre (BRAC) on Friday nights and provides a safe space for young people to participate in sporting and creative activities, as well as being provided with a warm meal and access to youth services.
The Friday-night program is funded for three years through $334,330 in grant funding from the Department of Justice, Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries, and Kimberley Development Commission.
A Sporting Chance is one of the actions to come from the Shire’s Youth Plan 2021-2025, to address issues related to juvenile crime by diverting youth from the justice system as well as ensuring the safety of the community.