MP Kevin Conolly presents award to Linda Strickland
A WOMAN who has cooked and fed thousands of homeless people since 2011 was awarded the 2012 Local Woman of the Year Award in Riverstone.
Linda Strickland received the award from Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly for her outstanding service to the Hawkesbury community last week.
When she accepted the award she said she saw people in need and couldn’t bear the thought of not doing something.
‘‘There is a real need in the Hawkesbury for an emergency shelter, as many homeless residents are turned away from refuges," Ms Strickland said.
She also provided them with supplies such as blankets, swags and quilts from her own garage.
‘‘Linda and her 10-year-old daughter, Cassidy, have been coming to McQuade Park and feeding homeless and needy people every weekend since September 2011,’’ Mr Conolly said.
‘‘Every Saturday afternoon she prepares home-cooked meals for between 30 and 40 people, which she dispenses from the back of her car.
‘‘She also works for a month over Christmas and the New Year to feed needy people when the community kitchen closes down.
‘‘The first year that Linda started feeding the homeless, she personally funded the cost of providing the meals.
‘‘I am pleased the community have rallied behind her and are donating various food stuffs for the important charity work that Linda undertakes every week.’’