Link Church Recognised For Extraordinary Efforts During Covid-19 - Awarded 2020 Pittwater Community Service Award
Photo: NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Pittwater MP Rob Stokes and Glenn & Clare Wysman.
Link Church Pastors Glenn and Clare Wysman have been announced as the recipients of the NSW Government’s 2020 Pittwater Community Service Award.
The award was presented by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes during a visit to the church’s food distribution headquarters at Warriewood this week.
Link Church’s team of volunteers provide a range of support programs aimed at assisting local families during COVID-19, particularly the provision of low cost meals and essential food items.
“Glenn and Clare are great examples of the extraordinary efforts people have made to support our community during COVID-19,” Rob Stokes said today.
“Along with their fantastic team of volunteers – they sprang into action at the start of the pandemic, gathered resources and quickly adapted support programs.
“COVID-19 has been devastating in so many ways, but it’s also exposed how much goodwill and kindness exists within our community.
“This award has never been more relevant than in 2020 – and it’s a fitting recognition of Glenn and Clare’s leadership and the immeasurable benefits their initiatives have provided.
“The work Link Church is doing is also an important reminder of how widespread and deep the impacts of COVID-19 have been within our community – and why we must remain vigilant, follow the health advice and continue to look out for those who may need help.
“I’m delighted the Premier was able to join me in presenting such an important award to Glenn and Clare,” Rob Stokes said.
Pittwater Online spoke with Glenn Wysman, Lead Pastor at The Link earlier this year when they were seeking more community support for their Food Care programs. Glenn explained then;
“We started the Food Care program 8 years ago and these two programs, the Lunchbox and CareHamper, are an expansion of this and our response to needs in the community due to Covid-19.”
“The Link Community Care has a consistent and strong history of helping and serving those on the Northern Beaches in most need. Now because of Covid-19, the need for our services has grown exponentially.
“The Lunch Box initiative was started on Wednesday March 15th with thanks to a community donation of 5 thousand dollars. The Pittwater RSL has made a seed donation to commence the Care Hamper initiative and we began that on Wednesday April 22nd.” Mr. Wysman said.
“In addition, the Pittwater RSL team are busy cooking lots of yummy meals for each days' collection.”