The kind volunteers at Wauchope Uniting church always serve up tasty food on Fridays with care and compassion, for anyone doing it tough, or who wants some company.
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Now the team at the Friday community meals program in Hastings Street are delighted that the facilities have been dramatically improved, through grants and financial support from this local church body.
Hygienic food preparation surfaces have been extended with the provision of more stainless steel tops, new gas ovens and cook tops, new food and storage facilities and exhaust fans.
A commercial dishwasher has been installed to cope with the demands of busy schedules to provide meals for everyone who uses the kitchen area.
New screen kitchen windows have been fitted, as well as a welcome coat of paint to brighten up the place too,” said co-ordinator Carol Higgins.
“Our willing volunteers could benefit from a boost in numbers,” she said.
In order to afford the renovations to the kitchen, the Wauchope church went further afield.
“As our aims with this program, through our church, are community-focused, the Uniting Church Council in our area approved a generous grant to greatly improve outdated existing facilities,” Carol explained.
To ensure all aspects of the work could be completed, the Wauchope Uniting church contributed the remainder.
Local companies and tradespeople worked to ensure a much improved area for community meals, the Friday night youth group, and all those who regularly use the hall.
Old unscreened windows and paintwork still remained.
A successful application for a grant from the Holiday Coast Credit Union solved that problem. New windows were installed and the place was painted with volunteer assistance from a retired builder from Port Macquarie Uniting Church, Alan Edgar, Geoff Bond also from Port Uniting Church, and Wauchope’s own David Rideout.
“Thanks for volunteers who are able to see the benefits to all in our area,” said Carol.
“And many thanks to all who have contributed to improvements in our ability to be there for all who choose to visit Wauchope Uniting Church Community Meals at lunchtime on Fridays. Costs of living, rent, electricity, healthy food and petrol all continue to rise, as does the number of homeless people. All are welcome to join us,” she added.
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