Tom Liberatore's voluntary and advocacy efforts with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation have again been recognised with a second successive John Schultz Community Award.
The award was presented to the retiring midfielder during the Club's gala Charles Sutton Medal event at Crown Palladium on Wednesday night.
Liberatore has been heavily involved in the Community Foundation's programs for a number of years and has been a strong advocate for community involvement at the Club.
In her presentation of the award, GM of the Community Foundation Hannah Singleton said that Liberatore had approached her earlier this year asking if there was anything he could do to help with Footscray's homelessness issue.
The unprompted overture led to Liberatore playing a key role in the opening and maintenance of the Lighthouse Café, an initiative of The Salvation Army which is a partner of the Community Foundation.
"This café provides a safe haven and food security to those sleeping rough in the area," Singleton said.
"Tom donates his renowned Mona Castle dim sims weekly to the café and at least once a week you will find him down there on a day off serving some home-cooked pasta.
"He also brings his team mates along to support … with Cody (Weightman) creating some incredible art for the space and 12 of our players volunteering their time on a day off at a recent Salvation Army lunch event that was hosted at Mission Whitten Oval.
"Outside of his work at the Lighthouse Café, Tom continues to selflessly offer his time and energy to support young people, families and communities across Melbourne's west through the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s nation-leading programs.
"Whether he's visiting schools to support students with their study or attending a Sons of the West session to speak openly about men’s health, he brings authenticity, warmth and genuine care to every interaction.
"Tom understands the impact that a simple conversation, a few words of support, or taking the time to show up can have on someone's life. His commitment to helping others reflects the very best of our club and the spirit of this award."
Liberatore was last month nominated for the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award - which recognises AFL players that who have made outstanding commitments to community service and leadership - for the second successive year.
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