Newcrest is helping vulnerable Victorians get through the COVID-19 pandemic with a donation of A$100,000 to community meal providers.

Newcrest has partnered with the Salvation Army Melbourne Project 614, The Lazarus Centre - St Peter's Eastern Anglican Church, the Father Bob Maguire Foundation and Melbourne City Mission to deliver 6650 nutritious meals for people in immediate need.

Newcrest Chief People and Sustainability Officer Lisa Ali has emphasised the importance of supporting local initiatives aimed at dealing with increased food insecurity.

'As a result of many factors including job losses and lowered incomes, the COVID-19 pandemic has created increased food insecurity for many people. For those people that were already facing significant hardships, COVID-19 has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities as well as create newly vulnerable individuals and families.

'At Newcrest we recognise the importance of supporting community-based organisations to respond to the most basic of human needs and we're proud to partner with local organisations to provide immediate food relief to the most vulnerable.'

The importance of this support was further highlighted by Salvation Army Commanding Officer Major Brendan Nottle.

'Newcrest's generous donation is vital in assisting us with the work we do from 69 Bourke Street, with Melbourne's most vulnerable. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a dramatic increase in need. The donation from Newcrest makes an enormous difference to the scope of work we are able to do in support of those affected by the pandemic.

'We are serving hundreds of takeaway meals a day via our cafe's servery window, as well as delivering meals to community members in temporary hotel accommodation. The Salvation Army Melbourne Project 614 is deeply grateful for the support of Newcrest Mining during these unprecedented times.'

This initiative is part of Newcrest's A$20 million Community Support Fund, established to assist its host communities face the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact:

Chris Maitland

Tel: +61 3 9522 5717

Email: Chris.Maitland@newcrest.com.au

(C) 2020 Electronic News Publishing, source ENP Newswire