Big hits on field, big impact off it: Thunder team up with Plate It Forward

Founded by Shaun Christie-David, a proud son of Sri Lankan immigrants who grew up in Sydney’s western suburbs, Plate It Forward has been driving positive, sustainable change since 2020. 

To date, Plate It Forward has donated more than 620,000 meals across Sydney while also providing training and job opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.  

This season, for every run scored by a Thunder player at ENGIE Stadium, Plate It Forward will donate a meal to people doing it tough across Western Sydney. 

Thunder players and staff were on deck at Plate It Forward’s headquarters last week to show their support and celebrate the launch of the partnership. 

Players Matt Gilkes, Blake Nikitaras, Aidan O’Connor, Tanveer Sangha and General Manager Trent Copeland rolled up their sleeves alongside the Plate It Forward team, helping to prepare and cook meals to be donated. 

This new partnership with Plate It Forward continues Thunder’s proud history of community engagement, reinforcing the club’s commitment to making a meaningful impact off the field. 

Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said: 

“At Sydney Thunder, we’re committed to making a real difference in our community, and we’re proud to support the incredible work Plate It Forward are doing. This partnership is going to be very impactful.” 

Sydney Thunder player Tanveer Sangha said: 

“It’s awesome to be part of this initiative. It’s a massive opportunity for us as players to help our community and gives us an extra incentive to score with a meal being donated with each run.” 

Plate It Forward Founder and CEO Shaun Christie-David said: 

“Plate It Forward is a movement created to bring equal opportunity to everyone around the table. 

“We provide employment for people from marginalised communities – refugees, asylum seekers, women over the age of 55 who have never worked in Australia and people out of the incarceration system. We run restaurants and we employ those people. 

“Our feeding program, The Social Meal, provides around 2,000 meals across Sydney each week – supporting young Indigenous families, people in Western suburbs, those in social housing, and others experiencing hardship. We give a gift of love through food. 

“When we thought about a partner who lives and breathes the same values and passion for community as we do – and who our staff love – Sydney Thunder was the perfect fit.” 

How can you Plate It Forward? 

With every $4 you donate, Plate It Forward provides a life-changing meal. Click here to make a donation. 

You can also show your support by dining at one of Plate It Forward’s restaurants across Sydney – Colombo Social, Kabul Social, Kyiv Social and Kolkata Social. 

Learn more about Plate It Forward and how to get involved at https://plateitforward.org.au/sydthunder/.  

The runs for meals initiative begins this Saturday at the highly anticipated Sydney Smash. Tickets are almost sold out for the blockbuster match, with less than 2,000 remaining. Click here to secure your seats now! 

Sydney Thunder BBL|15 ENGIE Stadium Fixtures (All Times AEDT):  

Saturday, December 20 | v Sydney Sixers | ENGIE Stadium | 7:15pm  

Tuesday, December 30 | v Perth Scorchers | ENGIE Stadium | 7:15pm   

Saturday, January 3 | v Hobart Hurricanes | ENGIE Stadium | 7:15pm   

Monday, January 12 | v Melbourne Renegades | ENGIE Stadium | 7:15pm