Fresh importance
“Susan” was a single mother and had recently fled an unsafe relationship and was now living in temporary accommodation. Susan had no local family support and was relying on limited Centrelink assistance.
She found herself unable to afford enough food for herself and her two young children. She came to our food giveaway. We have 200 people attend our food giveaway in West End every week.
When she arrived, she asked to speak with me, as we had spoken on the phone the previous day. I welcomed her and explained how the food giveaway works. Take what you need (subject to availability), we don’t require proof of ID or Centrelink assistance, and everything is provided free of charge. We don’t judge, we only offer support.
Susan made her way through the food tables. She picked up essential groceries, including meat, fresh fruit, and vegetables, as well as some non-perishable items. We were even able to provide nappies for her youngest child. I spoke with her after she had been through the line. Her eyes welled up with tears. She expressed gratitude and said she was surprised by the kindness and acceptance she received. It was a lifeline, she said.
Susan’s story is just one of many that reflect the importance of Community Friends. For people in crisis, the food giveaway is more than just meeting basic needs. It’s about restoring dignity, offering hope, and reminding people they are not alone.
If you know someone who is struggling to make ends meet, invite them to our food giveaway. It is held every Wednesday at 68 Vulture St, West End 4101 (Bunyapa Park). The food giveaway starts at 3 pm, and many people arrive early. Also, if you would like to see what we do, you are also invited to attend.
As we approach the end of the financial year, please remember that all donations are tax-deductible. We can only offer the services we do because of the generosity of people like you. Community Friends receives no government or church funding — it is public support that keeps us going, week after week.
If you would like to help people like Susan through Community Friends, you can.
Our banking details are –
Account Name: Community Friends
Account Number: 21808940
BSB: 124050
Or you can donate through PayPal via our website.
https://www.communityfriends.org.au/donate/