Here4Hope

Like many of you, I have recently been working with my team on the strategy for the next 12 months ahead. Supported by the wonderful Bain & Co, we have gone through the process of reflecting on what has happened over the last 6 months, and plan ahead for what is yet to come. The process has been challenging at times, knowing that in the face of uncertainty, food insecurity is guaranteed. However, I am grateful for the opportunity to stop and reflect on what has been achieved throughout unimaginable times of fire, droughts, floods, and now, a global pandemic. The resilience of us all is what fills me with hope and the absolute determination to continue our mission with renewed focus

I am determined to ensure that we will not only get through this time, but will take the lessons we are being taught and apply them to the way we deliver our impact in the future. The OzHarvest model is rapidly changing as we see the demand for food grow every day. Increasing our services at a time when crucial funding is, and will continue to be harder than ever to secure, a bold move.

When I established OzHarvest 16 years ago, I wasn’t setting out to be the largest food rescue organisation or to simply provide a quick fix. My mission has always been to deliver on the commitment of feeding people in need, so that they were able to lead fully sustainable lives.

With the help of so many, since 1st March OzHarvest has been able to rapidly scale up our services, delivering close to 10 million meals, opening 5 pop-up hubs, launching two new mobile markets to reach rural communities and delivering to over 200 new charities. This impact has been made possible due to the tireless efforts of my team and those who believe in our mission to nourish our country. I thank you all, and I ask you, with my heart full of gratitude and respect, to please help us to keep feeding those who will need us more than ever over the next 12 months.

Both personally and professionally, COVID-19 has rocked us all to our cores. I’ve experienced the feeling of uncertainty and loss of control and I understand the pain and sleepless nights that come with this. However, I also know the power in helping someone out when you are able to do so. I have seen how the act of giving food is so much more than feeding a hungry belly. Sharing a meal offers a moment of reprieve, a chance to think clearly and a piece of hope. When we come together to do good, we are demonstrating our resilience and the beauty of what it is to be human. I am asking you all to please continue to support your chosen charity during the next 12 months and beyond. Without funding, many won’t survive. And for many individuals and real people this means they lose a place to sleep, a critical support service or food for their family.

If you are in a position to donate to OzHarvest, please visit www.hereforhope.com.au and feed someone today. If you are a business that would like to partner with OzHarvest and our mission, please send me a message. I would love to discuss how we can be stronger together.

With my gratitude, Ronni Kahn AO

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