Peel Thunder, Alcoa join forces to tackle hunger in Foodbank charity game

Peel Thunder and Alcoa have again joined forces in a bid to tackle food insecurity in the Peel region.

The 2025 Foodbank Charity Game at Lane Group Stadium on Saturday, May 10 will raise vital funds and food donations for Foodbank Peel.

Alcoa will be matching fan donations dollar for dollar.

The 2024 Foodbank Hunger Report revealed that over half of food-insecure households in Australia are forced to skip meals or endure entire days without food.

In the Peel Region, Foodbank has seen a concerning 10 per cent increase in demand in the last financial year alone, highlighting the urgent need for community support.

Peel Thunder CEO Paul Lekias called on all Club supporters to get behind the drive during the Round 6 game against West Perth.

“The Peel Thunder Football Club is extremely proud of its association with Foodbank WA, and we are thrilled to once again showcase the importance of their support of our community through WAFL football,” Lekias said.

“At a time when so many people are facing the increased cost of living pressure, we are calling on the whole Peel Region to get behind this initiative in any small way they can to help make a difference.

“We are grateful to have Alcoa support this event for the second year in a row which provides everyone with the opportunity to contribute to this great cause by either attending the game or simply making a donation – we hope to see as many people as possible on May 10 enjoy a great day at Lane Group Stadium.” 

Alcoa’s Pinjarra Operations Manager Jodie Giraudo said the company was passionate about partnering with the communities where it operates to help improve the lives of the people who live there.

“We began working with Foodbank Peel in 2020 and this is our second year as the Peel Thunder Charity Game Day partner because we know there are people in the Peel Region who are finding it increasingly difficult to meet basic living expenses,” Giraudo said.

“Last year we matched fan donations dollar for dollar for a combined total of $28,000 which equates to more than 55,800 meals, and we would love to beat that target this year to provide more food and groceries to those who struggle to afford them.”

Foodbank WA CEO Kate O’Hara expressed deep gratitude for the partnership.

“We are so grateful for our long-standing relationship with Peel Thunder and Alcoa – their support is making a real difference to so many people’s lives,” O’Hara said.

“The Peel branch has seen a surge in demand and our customers are making heartbreaking choices between feeding their children, paying bills or buying essential medications. This charity game is a critical source of funds, enabling us to provide food relief in a way that is dignified and easily accessible.

“In the last financial year, we provided 978,863 meals in the Peel Region – an increase from 889,472 the year before. We can and must do better for our community.”

Donations can be made online at www.foodbank.org.au/wa/peelthunder.

Volunteers will also be collecting non-perishable food items and financial donations on game day.