Sammy from our Melbourne office dedicated his recent Volunteer Time Out to work with The Father Bob Food Van, supporting his local community.

The Father Bob Foundation is a charity that provides food relief for those experiencing homelessness and difficulty acquiring food. It is named after Father Bob Maguire who looked after and tended to his South Melbourne parish for many years. His concept of never judging others and simply providing food and care to anyone who asks is a model of compassion from which we all can learn today.

The Father Bob Foundation provides food to individuals at a designated park meeting point without any questions. The collaboration of Jewish and Catholic faith groups highlights the wider, compassionate community.

Setting up tables and chairs in the park, they distributed various pre-prepared meals and food items, including fresh produce, cooked pasta, chicken sausages, muffins, bread, clothing, and essential pharmacy items, allowing guests to choose what they needed.

Moreover, some of them lent an ear so that people can make a social connection as guests unwind, engage, and feel a sense of belonging.

“My role last week was to help prepare the food, set up the tables and chairs, and then pack it all up afterwards. This is not a small logistical task. Food must be sourced, cooked, and maintained hygienically from 'supplier-to-kitchen-to-park'. All equipment must be stored, transported, assembled, and disassembled. 

I am humbled that, in a small way, I can contribute to the health and well-being of these delightful people. Each individual is a person with a back-story, with a history, and with their own struggles. I have done this activity for many years and yet it remains an honour."