Back in 2021 Christmas dinner was transformed into an unexpected treat for 200 people doing it tough in the precincts of Blacktown and Sydney City.
Nandos Australia put on a lavish spread of flame-grilled chicken, paella, cheesy garlic mini pitas, BBQ ribs, Haloumi sticks, Mediterranean salad, chocolate mousse, and a whole lot more for some of the neediest members of our communities.
Nandos staff threw themselves into the event, working as volunteers on those nights as the business closed its doors to public-paying customers and threw open its doors to those who couldn’t.
The air was festive and happy with some popular Christmas carols provided by The Salvation Army band.
People went away feeling loved, cared for and with a full belly as plate after plate rolled in off a hot kitchen of happy workers. Topping off the evening was a bag of Christmas goodies handed to each person by cheery Nandos staff at the door.
The intention of the night was to help those who would normally not have the experience of being showered with love. The aim was to have these guests knowing they are valued, respected and cared about, and this was achieved in spade-fulls.
One Heart Blacktown is a non-profit organisation that believes in putting its faith into action alongside the Salvos, played a key role in the relationship. And things did not end at Christmas between these three partners.
Now, every Friday, lunch is provided at Alpha Park Blacktown starting from 11.30 by Nandos in collaboration with the Salvos and One Heart. Everyone is welcome at the table, said Tony Calmen from One Heart.
On Friday mornings, One Heart and the Salvos arrive before the guests to clean and set up the tables at Alpha Park.
“We want to focus on sitting with people, asking how life is treating them and getting to know them,” said Captain Fouzia Mubarak from The Salvation Army.
“We want people to know they have friends who care and they don’t have to do it alone!”
In keeping with the theme of ‘Food-Friendship-Faith’, One Heart share encouragement and a thought of the day. The afternoon also has some fun thrown in with a ticket draw for goodies that guests get to take away with them.
Captain Louise Beamish, Team Leader of Blacktown Salvos says she was overjoyed with the first event and how since then the momentum has continued.
For more enquiries about the Community Lunch @ Alpha Park, Blacktown, please call Captain Louise Beamish on 0419 253 208 or Tony Calmen on 0430 027 638.
