Meals for the masses

By Bridget Cook
COMMUNITY spirit at its best is on display when Uniting Place in Hampton Place opens its doors to the community each week.
The centre runs ‘Open Up’ every Thursday – a free community lunch that is served from 12.30pm for anyone who wants to come along.
Children play with each other, as the adults mingle and pitch in to help prepare the meal and set the tables, before all coming together to enjoy lunch afterwards.
Some of the kitchen volunteers are also from the Wallara ‘Life Options’ program.
Uniting Place community life facilitator Tammy Pettit said ‘Open Up’ was fantastic because it provided an opportunity for the volunteers to increase their social roles within the community and helped with their social interactions.
“It also provides cooking and communication skills and as a result it brings greater self-esteem,” she said.
“If you ask the girls they will tell you that they like to see the people smile when they serve them and that they love ‘Open Up’ because they make new friends.”
Wayne, one of the many people who attends the free community lunch, went along for the first time three months ago and has not missed a Thursday lunch since. He said he loved it because of the companionship and the feeling that he made a contribution to this community.
‘Open Up’ does not receive any funding support and relies on the efforts of some of the volunteers to fund-raise through catering for other events.
Ms Pettit said none of it could take place without the efforts of the inspirational volunteers.
“There is always room for more volunteers,” she said.
Anyone who would like to help organise the menu, purchase the food, co-ordinate the kitchen, mingle with people, make a financial donation or to volunteer in any way is asked to contact Vicki on 0422 549 084.
‘Open Up’ is held at Uniting Place, 1 Coral Drive Hampton Park on Thursdays, with lunch served at 12.30pm.
All are welcome.