Fortescue supports the Salvation Army’s efforts to feed Perth’s homeless

The Environment team is this year continuing Fortescue’s proud support of the Salvation Army by preparing and serving breakfast to those in need around Perth’s CBD.

The Salvation Army’s soup van – known as the ‘AM and PM Street Outreach Service’ – is a mobile service that delivers food to those in need at various locations in the city all year round, including near Fortescue’s office on Plain Street. Every morning a team of volunteers arrive at the Perth Salvation Army to heat up soup, pies, sausage rolls and pack the van with a variety of beverages. There are around 40 people waiting for the soup van at each location in the City of Perth every morning.

Fortescue’s Group Manager Environment Brett McGuire said that the initiative provides a great opportunity for the team to support the local community by volunteering their time to serve breakfast and build relationships with those living rough on the streets of Perth.

“The Salvation Army’s food van provides a warm and welcoming space for those in the community that are sleeping rough on the streets, living in nearby public housing or living independently but struggling to make ends meet,” Brett said.

Fortescue’s Chief Financial Officer Ian Wells has been a member of the Salvation Army business advisory committee since 2011 and, more recently, was appointed Chairman. Ian’s involvement continues an almost two decade association which has been handed down by a number of Perth’s business leaders, beginning in the early 2000s. This included Fortescue’s current membership of the Committee.

“Fortescue works alongside the Salvation Army, and companies like PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and Allen and Overy to equip people with the financial knowledge, life skills and job interview techniques they need to get back into the community,” Ian said.

“Homelessness is one of the most distressing things a person can experience and it could happen to anyone. The Salvation Army plays a critical role in positively impacting the lives of people who are marginalised, disadvantaged or experiencing a crisis by providing the structure and support they need to get back on track.”

"Fortescue is proud to be a longstanding supporter of the Salvation Army, an organisation with shared values, empowering people in need by providing them with the skills they need to change their lives for the better. Empowerment is a key Fortescue value and fundamental to our approach of building vibrant and strong communities,” Ian said.

Further information on the Salvation Army can be found at: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/