Chelsea Ireland honoured in new Puddle Jumpers food hub dedicated to their selfless volunteer

Nearly a year after she was shot dead by her boyfriend’s father, Chelsea Ireland’s champion volunteer work has been honoured with a dedicated food hub.

Chelsea Ireland never wanted recognition for the selfless charity work she did in her spare time.

“She was a bit of a quiet achiever, she just did things and didn’t seek the limelight … she didn’t want to make a big fanfare about that,” her father, Greg Ireland said.

Before she was killed last August, Ms Ireland spent every moment she could volunteering for Puddle Jumpers, an organisation that supports children and young people.

Nearly a year after her death, the charity will honour their valued volunteer launching a food hub in her memory.

Puddle Jumpers CEO Mel Tate, with Greg and Debra Ireland, and sister Maddie Ireland at their Western Food Hub named in hour of Chelsea Ireland. Picture Mark Brake

Melanie Tate, chief executive officer for Puddle Jumpers, said the Western Food Hub, Remembering Chelsea Ireland at Hindmarsh, will fill a gap in the western suburbs.

“It was really born out of the tragic passing of her, but she had a deep desire to help those who were really vulnerable in the community including people who were homeless,” Ms Tate said.

Chelsea Ireland was a treasured volunteer at Puddle Jumpers, spending as much of her spare time as possible helping out. Picture Mark Brake

Funded by donations made in an appeal after Ms Ireland’s passing, the hub will operate on Port Rd, seven days a week, from 10am-2pm, and 5pm-9pm.

“Our food relief program demands have increased massively, so being able to provide a space where people can come and get a hot meal, company and a chat with somebody, some other essentials like a blanket or toiletries (helps).”

The 19-year-old, and her boyfriend Lukasz Klosowski, also 19, were shot dead in a double murder in the state’s South East on August 22.

Lukasz Klosowski and Chelsea Ireland. Picture: Supplied By Family

Mr Klosowski’s father, Pawel Klosowski, has been charged with the double murder and will spend at least 34 years behind bars for his crimes.

Mr Ireland said his family is humbled by the recognition his daughter has received for her work with Puddle Jumpers.

“We’re incredibly proud of the work that she’s done and the recognition that she’s getting, It’s actually quite an emotional thing for us to be quite honest,” he said.

“We always knew she would make a change but we just didn’t quite expect it to be like this.”

Find out how to donate to Puddle Jumpers at puddlejumpers.org.au/donating/

Originally published as Chelsea Ireland honoured in new Puddle Jumpers food hub dedicated to their selfless volunteer