One year on
FATHER BOB’S FOUNDATION COMMEMORATES THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF FATHER BOB’S PASSING AND RAMPS UP EFFORTS TO RESPOND TO COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION
Today, Father Bob’s Foundation commemorated the 1-year anniversary of Father Bob’s passing and the future shared direction of the Foundation to continue to uphold his legacy. Supporters from across Melbourne gathered at Father Bob’s Pantry to celebrate Father Bob’s life’s work and his ongoing impact on the community through the Foundation’s support programs.
New branding and refreshed logo, a community connection and fundraising day to honour Father Bob, and a call to action for supporters and friends are all part of the teams’ commitment to the Foundation’s future plans.
According to the Father Bob’s Foundation Chairman Adrian Kinderis, “When reflecting on the year since Bob’s passing, Father Bob’s Foundation’s job moving forward is to crystalize its purpose in the absence of its dynamic leader. With Father Bob’s passing it rests with the Foundation to continue his good work and to fully realise the purpose of the work we do without him front and centre – addressing food and emotional poverty. At the core of what Father Bob believed was that nobody should be left behind. With mental health concerns and the cost-of-living crisis at worrying levels, these issues coupled with social isolation and loneliness, we are seeing the work of the Foundation expand beyond the traditional Port Phillip boundaries. While this manifests as a hot meal or food relief, it is equally about connection, community and emotional support for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Father Bob’s Foundation has seen the demand for its meal services double in the last twelve months as well as the number of people visiting for food supplies and basic necessities. The Foundation sees its work, and the wider community support of the work, as being more critical than it has ever been with the need for awareness and funding at the frontline.
While Father Bob is no longer the driving force behind its ethos and operations, his beliefs are the core purpose of the organisation’s charter and as such, his essence has been captured as part of the new branding for the Foundation.
Leveraging the design support of Father Bob’s friend, Adam Ferrier, Chief Thinker at Thinkerbell, Foundation members unveiled the new branding which positions Father Bob’s essence at the center of the Foundation in its continued legacy in the community. The rebranding included a bold new logo that highlights Father Bob’s rebellious spirit, and his famous sayings incorporated across the Foundation’s communications.
Adam Ferrier speaking on his inspiration for the new branding said: “While Father Bob would have found it ridiculous to bring attention to himself through a rebrand, I think it’s important that we honour his legacy by capturing the strength of the Foundation with his defiant spirit throughout the Foundation’s materials. I wanted the logo to encapsulate his bold ‘punk in priest’s clothing’ character to express his passion for leaving no one behind.”
The Foundation also announced the introduction of an annual Father Bob Day to be held on September 14, Father Bob’s birthday, to create a focal point for the Foundation’s fundraising efforts. Father Bob Day will be a celebration of Father Bob and all the things he loved. This fundraising, community based event will safeguard the future of the foundation through fund raising activities and ensure we can continue to fight poverty.
Danielle Prowse, Father Bob’s Foundation Board Member, said: “Father Bob’s passing was a massive loss for the community, however, one year on his work continues to thrive with his spirit living on through the vital care and support offered by the Foundation. We hope that Father Bob Day will not only serve as a celebration of Father Bob’s life but will also encourage support for the Foundation’s initiatives so that we can continue his life’s work. In terms of what the day will look like, well you can be sure there will be dogs and AFL – two of his passions.”
About Father Bob’s Foundation
Father Bob’s Foundation is a Melbourne-based registered charity providing food relief, social inclusion, educational support, and a range of associated services so that no one is left behind.
Established in 2003, it is the latest of many community initiatives Father Bob inspired to uphold the dignity and social rights of the masses. Each week the Foundation supports around 300 people at Father Bob’s Pantry with food and basic necessities, this is around 70-80 people per day, increasing by 50 per cent compared to this time last year. The Foundation also provides around 60 meals each Sunday night at Father Bob’s Community Meal at the Peanut Farm and between 300 and 400 meals per week to other agencies supporting people across Port Phillip and beyond.
Not just a food charity, Father Bob’s Foundation is a strong advocate for mental health in the community, with the Foundation’s volunteers developing personal relationships with the community members they support.
For more information on Father Bob’s Foundation and its community initiatives, please visit www.fatherbobs.com
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For media enquiries:
Progressive PR and Communications
Darren Saffin / Jodie Artis
darren@progressivepr.com.au / jodie@progressivepr.com.au
0411 089 209 / 0414 699 186