The creator of a Coast service providing people in need with free food and household essentials has received a special accolade.
Free Little Pantry founder Wayne Hunt has been recognised for more than a decade of helping people in need, receiving a Kawana Community Award from Deputy Premier and Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie.
The annual awards recognise local residents who make an outstanding contribution to the community through volunteer service and dedication to helping others.
Mr Bleijie presented the award to Mr Hunt, describing him as “a champion of the Kawana community”, through his work operating the Free Little Pantry from his Wurtulla home.
“It is my absolute pleasure to present Wayne with this award on behalf of the Kawana community and thank him for the positive difference he continues to make in the lives of so many people,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
Operating from Nicklin Way, the Free Little Pantry collects donated food and household essentials from the community and makes them available to people experiencing hardship.
Mr Hunt said he started the initiative more than 10 years ago after suffering a heart attack and undergoing a stent procedure.
“I did a bit of a deal with ‘Old Mate’ upstairs. I said, ‘Hey, I’ll be a better person if you get me through this’,” Mr Hunt said.
Following his recovery, Mr Hunt established the Free Little Pantry, which has since become a well-known source of support for people doing it tough, providing access to food and essential household items.
The award recognises both Mr Hunt’s long-standing commitment to the community and the support shown by local residents through their donations to the pantry.
