BEING able to sit down and enjoy a free, tasty breakfast or morning tea is a huge boon for those “doing it tough” in Chelsea.
So, volunteers from churches in the area, including Chelsea Community Church of Christ, St Chad’s Anglican and Chelsea Uniting, combine to put on breakfasts and morning teas for up to 80 diners.
“It’s not so much about good meals – although these are important – but more about community and ending people’s isolation,” said Pastor Judi Turnham, of Chelsea Community Church of Christ, in Blantyre Av.
“We have school children also getting a good meal before school, as well as families and older people struggling financially.
“Funding comes from various grants and, also, we are lucky at times to have sponsors assisting. We ask for a coin donation but not everyone is able to do this.”
She said the churches worked together to assist those in need – making it “very much an inter-church event”.
Pastor Turnham said many at the breakfasts became firm friends. Many are unemployed, on disability benefits, or “trying to survive on a pension”, she said. “They need companionship.
“We also work with other community agencies, and give out food parcels and blankets.”
Free community breakfasts are held Wednesdays 8-10am and free morning teas Thursdays 11-11.30am. A gold coin donation is appreciated.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 15 July 2015
