Media Release: Herbert MP Donates Percentage of Salary to North Queensland Charity

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Herbert MP Donates Percentage of Salary to North Queensland Charity

Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson will donate 10 per cent of his monthly wage to a North Queensland charity, in an effort to help support locals who are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Mr Thompson said Food Relief NQ is in desperate need of help as it tries to meet an increase in demand to provide basic food items to those in our community who are doing it tough.
 
“Over the past few weeks thousands of locals have lost their jobs, others have taken pay cuts, while many have had their hours reduced. These are unprecedented times and they call for us to rally together as a community like never before,” Mr Thompson said.
 
“I’ve had a lot of people approach me to ask why Politicians aren’t taking a pay cut like many in our community have had to; while I can’t control the blanket wages of politicians what I can do is choose to donate 10 per cent of my monthly wage over coming months to a local charity that is truly making a difference in these desperate times.
 
“Food Relief NQ does great work in our community, providing essential food items to people who would otherwise go hungry. Understandably though, as our community does it tough, these types of organisations are struggling with a significant drop in donations.
 
“I would ask anyone in our community who is in a position to help out with financial donations to consider doing so to ensure those people in region who most need help can access it.”
 
Food Relief NQ Manager Toby Kelly said the charity is facing increased demand at a time when donations are dropping off.

“Understandably people are tightening their belts at the moment, and so we’re not seeing quite as much money coming in,” Mr Kelly said.
 
“We have to purchase 90% of our food to ensure it’s the right kind, quantity and quality, so financial support is very important.”

Mr Kelly said without more support, the charity may have to cut down on the boxes they give away, which include basics like cereal, UHT milk, rice and pasta.

“We’re also struggling with our supply lines so any extra money we receive allows us more flexibility,” he said.
 
“We’re extremely grateful to see Phil lead by example in this way and would encourage anyone who can help with a financial donation to visit our website.”
 
For more information on how to support Food Relief NQ or access support please visit foodreliefnq.org.au.
 
The Australian Government has a raft of support measures available to individuals and businesses. More information can be found at australia.gov.au.


ENDS

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