By NICOLE VALICEK
A COMMUNITY social lunch that was under threat of ending has been saved by the generosity of a benefactor.
Gateway, a not-for-profit community organisation in Spotswood, hosts a monthly social lunch for members in the community who are aged, have a disability, lonely and, in most cases, are of low social economic status.
Gateway co-ordinator of volunteers Fatima Milhem said the program called “community social-bites” was funded to employ a chef, but that the funding was running out and they could not secure more.
The luncheon has been in existence for almost two years, and hosts 120 community members each month.
Ms Milhem said the program encouraged healthy eating, social inclusion and community awareness.
Gateway has now been offered a generous service by Waverley Industries Catering Services, from East of Melbourne, which has offered to provide the services of a qualified chef to continue the wonderful work in providing healthy, nutritional meals for Gateway’s clients.
“If we didn’t have a paid chef to support the program, we would have to cancel the program and the clients would miss out on a vital community well-being event,” Ms Milhem said.
“For participants, it means the continuation of a healthy meal and socially welcoming and safe environment and a sense of belonging,”
Waverly Industries operation manager Abdul Bakhach said the not-for-profit group was happy to support the program and allow it to continue. “We saw a need, understood this program was going to have to stop, and so we feel very proud about the fact we’re able to support gateway to the point where they can continue this program,” he said.
Waverly Industries employs 245 adults with special needs (intellectual disabilities) across three divisions, packaging, manufacturing and catering.
Mr Bakhach said they had a team of four qualified chefs that included seven intellectually disabled people and two apprentices. He said each month one of the head chefs would be accompanied by an apprentice in the kitchen.
Community entertainers and corporate volunteers also come in to lend a helping hand with serving and socialising with clients.
“The ambience of the day is warm, colourful and full of laughter and entertainment.
The room is buzzing with volunteer enthusiasm and community giving and spirit,” Ms Milhem said.
