Homeless people and those doing it tough are being offered a warming soup and roll and a warm dry place to escape the bitter winter cold at a new soup kitchen in Castlemaine.
Launched last week by members of St Mary’s Parish with the support of other churches and the wider community, the soup kitchen will run from 5pm to 6.30pm every Wednesday evening in the Buckley Room, located just behind the St Mary’s Church.
The concept was the brainchild of local parishioner and resident Christine Adams.
“I have been thinking about developing something like this for a while,” Christine said.
“I mentioned it to my fellow parishioners about three weeks ago and everyone was quick to get behind it. “Before I knew it the initiative had grown legs and it was all systems go with everyone pitching in to cook soup and offer their time to volunteer!”
Christine said the support had been amazing and they hoped attendance would soon grow with word of mouth.
“Even my neighbour made us some soup. It has been incredible and overwhelming.”
Bakers Delight has generously donated rolls for the soup kitchen and on hearing about the concept local café Cookie Crumbs also jumped on board donating some beautiful pies and pasties.
“Those who come along to the soup kitchen will find some friendly faces and a hearty meal,” Christine said. “We are offering soup in mugs but they are welcome to refill as many times as they like.”
The Buckley Room can be accessed via a gate on Templeton Street, just down from St Mary’s School.
