Kitchen feeds community spirit

It is not quite the feeding of the 5000, but a weekly community meal held in Wellsford is something of a miracle.

Pappa’s Kitchen – open Monday nights at the Old Railway Station – came about when four caring locals realised a common desire to help those struggling to make ends meet. The closure of Irwin Industrial Tools, in April, with the loss of 100 jobs was the catalyst for the venture.

“We’d heard of people out there struggling,” one of the organisers, Rachel Weller, says.

Up to 30 have been enjoying the free meals, usually cooked in the Weller’s kitchen on a Sunday afternoon, and then reheated at the venue.

The group includes Ms Weller, Amy Osborne, Rachel Rewi and Michael Smith. Since opening, Jack’s Café and The Hot Bread Shop have come onboard, donating cakes and bread.

“They’ve been so supportive,” Ms Rewi says. “As more people hear about us, we are getting more gifts of food and produce. We have a table of clothing and toys to give away. It’s about more than a meal; there’s a need out there that we can fill.”
The four friends have had no problems roping in others to help run the kitchen or donate ingredients.

“We’ve been blown away by both the number of families enjoying the meal, and by those wanting to help,” Amy says. “It’s fantastic; we’re all getting so much out of it as well, bringing our families along and sharing a meal.

“We want to make a difference in the community and hope that as the word gets out we can do even more.”

Ms Rewi said the idea was that the kitchen would run for three months to determine whether there was a need.

“We decided that even if no-one came through the door, we’d be here just in case.”
Now the group is getting their heads around the project becoming a runaway success and brainstorming other ways to help those in need.

Ms Weller would like to see the venture grow to incorporate budgeting advice and gardening skills.

“There’s no better time for the community to pull together to help each other through tough times,” she said.

For information on Pappa’s Kitchen, or to make a donation, phone Rachel Weller, 423 8105 or Rachel Rewi, 423 8094.

From left, Rachel Rewi, Rachel Weller, Michael Smith and Amy Osborne serve supper.