Socceroos player and Lismore legend Craig Foster has started a something big. 

He’s calling on the whole sporting community to help out during the Covid-19 lockdown period – and get on board with the new initiative ‘Play for Lives’ and provide meals for vulnerable people in our community.

Craig, along with Football Far North Coast and the Lord Taverners are asking sports teams, supporters and the wider community to help out with feeding the homeless at the Winsome Soup Kitchen, as well as those staying at Our House in Lismore as they undergo medical treatment. 

“Sport is making a significant contribution all around the country and not just with our own players for fans, but others who need us,” Craig said.

“Our local sport can help ease the burden for so many vulnerable kids or people without, and we’re asking every club to carry a small part of the load. 

“Collect some groceries, donate some food items or hot meals. It all makes a huge difference.”

Our House fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista said it costs $200 to buy the guests at Our House dinner from a local restaurant, and $150 produces meals for the homeless and vulnerable at the Winsome. 

“Since the Covid-19 lockdown, both Our House and the Winsome have had to change the way they look after those in their care, including how the community can help both charities,” Rebekka said.

“The Play for Lives initiative helps to spread the word and help to connect charitable needs and our community.”

Warren Noble, from the Lords Taverners (which started off as a cricket organisation) said the volunteer group used to organise weekly dinners on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the guests at Our House. 

“These community dinners brought joy to people, and connected the community groups, businesses and service clubs who came and cooked for those staying at Our House.

“Since Covid-19 these have ceased,” he said. 

“Now, we want to get everyone involved in donating money to help out – not just the Lords Taverners.”

Football North Coast’s Steve Mackney said there were 24 clubs whose members were all sitting on the bench through this isolation period and this initiative gave them a great opportunity to get active and come and deliver a food parcel or donate some money.

“I urge everyone to use the collective resources and energy that exist through our 7000 players and many more supporters to drive positive outcomes within the community,” he said.

The Winsome’s Mieke Bell said there was also a need for warm clothing at the soup kitchen, but suggested if people wanted to donate clothing they should ring her first – to avoid being swamped with too many things.

If you would like to join Football Far North Coast and the Lord Taverners and help or find out more, contact Rebekka Battista on 0438417085 or email [email protected]

For warm clothing donations, call Mieke Bell to discuss what you might want to bring on 0407 789 528.