CARINGBAH SNACK CRUSADER CROWNED THE ‘ONE TO WATCH’ AT NSW WOMEN’S WEEK

Caringbah nine-year-old Lennox Wade, the founder of kids’ food charity Snacktember, has been named the One to Watch at the NSW Women of the Year Awards.

Lennox was presented with the award today at the Sydney Opera House at a ceremony I attended along with Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor.

She was one of ten finalists for the award, which recognises girls and young women aged 7 to 17 who demonstrate a single act or ongoing acts of courage, strength, determination and kindness to help and support others.

Lennox started Snacktember when just three years old at preschool with a single food collection box, when her mum complained about uneaten snacks in their pantry.

Five years later she has worked with OzHarvest to collect more than 500 kilograms of snacks to share with children in need.

I was delighted to see Lennox’s dedication and compassion recognised. She has inspired people all over Australia to get behind Snacktember with her generosity and passion for helping kids who don’t have access to snack food.

She was driven to set up Snacktember after learning at preschool that many children don’t get to enjoy a tasty lunch each day and she hasn’t looked back since.

It is heart-warming to have a young person like Lennox, so dedicated to helping others, as part of our Sutherland Shire community and we celebrate Lennox’s achievements with her.

I hope this award will raise awareness of Snacktember and help her provide food for even more kids.

Lennox is a credit to her family and her school community at Caringbah North Public School and a well-deserved winner of this award.