Giving more during COVID

OneCare Geelong
Passionate. Dedicated. Empowering

Claire Faulmann refused to let the COVID-19 pandemic interrupt OneCare’s mission to support marginalised people through food relief and counselling.

Claire took over the CEO reins just two days before the pandemic was declared and quickly swung into action to ensure her team and volunteers could continue their work as lockdowns forced many other community services to shut their doors.

Under her guidance, the charity extended rather than shuttered its programs. The weekly community meal and foodbank service for 70 people expanded to deliver 500 meals a week. A staggering 1.5 tons of groceries were given to people doing it tough.

OneCare’s programs are designed to support those who are socially isolated and disadvantaged, through meeting immediate practical needs and providing strong relationship connections.

Claire is widely admired by her team and volunteers for her positive attitude, collaborative approach and commitment to introducing new initiatives, and commitment to introducing new initiatives that promote increasing life skills and community participation.

She is honoured to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “I believe that we have a responsibility to be kind, to share the wealth that we have and to empower others to make meaningful changes in their lives. It is an absolute privilege to do what I do,” Claire says.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. OneCare will use its funds to cover the costs of its foodbank and community meal programs for one year.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here