My “charity challenge” is already part of my lifestyle and something I participate in on an on-going basis. I am volunteering on a weekly basis in my local community since October 2024. Kencare is a local feeding scheme/soup kitchen in my neighbourhood and feeds between 80 – 110 people on a weekly basis. Every Wednesday we gather to cook, prepare food, and feed homeless, unemployed, and hungry individuals.
It involves manual labour, whatever needs to be done to serve the meal of the day. Cutting vegetables, fruit, making bread, stirring pots, setting up to serve food, unpacking donated items, packing out seating, organising the recipients who come in, dishing up the meals and serving the food to everyone. Some weeks we hand out clothing or hygiene products which were donated. Afterwards we clean up, do dishes, and pack away to leave the space neat and tidy. I also like to jump in and organise the storeroom and pantry which helps to keep track of stock.
During the year I assist with food, clothing, blanket, and toy drives which get handed out on special days or is saved for the year-end festive hamper drive.
The festive hamper drive is an exciting time of the year – we collect non-perishable food items, sweets and treats, toiletries and hygiene products (soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, facecloths, bodywash, deodorant, etc.) and toys which get made up in hampers for distribution over the year-end festive period. The hampers are handed out to the “regulars” and distributed to local old age homes, and disability centres in the suburb. In addition, a festive meal is served at Kencare and each of the homes mentioned, accompanied by some entertainment if we can organise it.
It is rewarding to be involved on an on-going basis in my local community. Giving back and using my time, skill, and experience to make a difference on a consistent basis helps to make my suburb a better place and to help where it is needed. “Start where you are, with what you have “is a principle I follow. There are many areas of need, but every contribution and efforts help to effect change on a bigger scale and make the world a better place.
Volunteering also gives me perspective about my own blessings and abundance. It will always be humbling to see the gratitude from the people we serve. I am blessed to be able to do this on a weekly basis. Seeing the tangible results of our hard work is incredibly fulfilling. Whether it is a smile on a child’s face when they receive a new toy, or the relief of a parent knowing their family will have a warm meal, these moments are the true rewards of our labour.
The relationships I have built with the regulars and fellow volunteers at Kencare are priceless.
Each week, I look forward to the camaraderie, the laughter, and the collective efforts that culminate in creating a positive impact. Everyone pulls together to make it happen.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the potential growth of our charity initiatives. Expanding our reach and impact, establishing new partnerships, and continuing to serve with compassion and dedication will remain a goal. Together, we can foster a stronger, more resilient community where everyone could thrive.