Some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the Hedland will continue to have access to Bloodwood Tree Mini-mart services following a partnership renewal with BHP for two more years.
The Bloodwood Tree Minimart provides staple pantry items to struggling individuals and families at a fraction of their usual cost.
Since opening their doors to the Port Hedland community in 2021 the local support service has seen a 61 per cent increase in customers along with a 100 per cent increase in the number of requests for assistance to obtain non-perishable food items and referral support.
Acting Bloodwood Tree Chief Executive Officer Kristy Montague said the service has been the difference between people having something to eat or going hungry.
“We all know how tough it is these days for individuals and families with the rising costs of food and other basic necessities, but disadvantaged people feel this even more,” Kristy said.
“People with referrals or Centrelink cards can come to the Minimart and get basic food and household items at a reduced price to help their families and stretch their budgets further.”
The additional funding will also help broaden the range of services available to include educational and health promotion activities.
“We will be linking-up with other Bloodwood Tree services and other agencies and services to provide more of the wrap-around and holistic support needed by our Minimart customers,” Kristy said.
BHP General Manager Rail Warren Wellbeloved said BHP is extremely proud to partner with organisations like Bloodwood Tree to help make a difference in the lives of Western Australians in need.
“We’re proud to stand beside Bloodwood Tree and to continue to support the most vulnerable members of our community, significantly assisting to alleviate food security challenges locally,” Warren said.