We have exciting news! LAST THURSDAY 6/7/2023 our Bless Community Meals program (previously known as the ‘Food Van’) moved out of Bourke Park into Pakenham Hall (into the Pakenham Library Complex).
We have loved being in the park over the last 8 years but are now excited for the new chapter at the Hall… being indoors (out of extreme weather), having a Commercial Kitchen to utilise and providing Life Skills programs.
Over the last few months, we have negotiated a Licence Agreement with the Council to hire the hall and have been organising all the intricate details to prepare for the move. A huge thank you goes out to Luke Williams, Raylene Sleeman, Jess Collins and the Cardinia Shire Council for all their hard work behind the scenes to help make this a reality.
Also, a huge thank you goes out to all of our supporters who have helped in many different ways over many years (financially, through prayer, practically, giving their time and serving in this ministry). The ADRA Produce Bus came with us to the new location so fresh fruit and veggies will still be available on the night of our community meals.
The Pakenham Sikhs will also continue to provide cooked rice to assist us with ensuring we can provide 120+ meals each night to people in need.
We have spaces open for volunteers so if you’re interested in joining our team, please email us at [email protected] so that we can send you our expression of interest form and training.
Grants
We are also excited and grateful that we have been successful with 2 seperate grants which will support us in purchasing 2x second hand vehicles for Bless Collective to help with deliveries/pick ups, moving equipment around and running life skills programs. The funds will be available over the next couple of months. This will take pressure off staff and volunteers constantly using their own vehicles for every day work purposes. A huge thank you goes out to Community Bank Beaconsfield District and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources for supporting us!
If you would like to financially support our ministry, please head to https://bless.org.au/donations