Each Thursday for the past year, the volunteer-run Salvation Army Social Cafe has opened its doors to the community, from 10am to 2pm, providing sustenance and social connection for people doing it tough in the community.
Joint co-ordinators of the cafe, the ‘‘dynamic duo’’ of Salvation Army food security co-ordinator Shona Tallon and community ministries navigator Paulette Boyes, are thrilled that the community space has reached the one-year milestone.
‘‘It’s a testament to the support of our donors and the efforts of our wonderful volunteers that the social cafe is going strong and continuing to grow in popularity with the community,’’ Ms Tallon said.
A low-key, first birthday celebration is planned for next Thursday, June 11, from 10am, with a special social cafe morning tea and lunch on offer as well as cake.
People are welcome to attend and will find the cafe next to the Salvation Army Family Store — entrance at 557 Princes St.
Ms Tallon said, in any given week, between 20 and 40 people arrived to enjoy the cafe’s offerings of free hot drinks, morning tea, and a hot lunch created by volunteer cooks using donated ingredients.
‘‘The people who come along to the social cafe are of all ages and circumstances, including young people, migrants, people with disabilities, people in difficult financial situations and who may be unhoused,’’ Ms Tallon said.
‘‘We have our regulars, but also people who only come from time to time and that’s totally OK — all are welcome.
‘‘They come here to enjoy a nice space, where they are accepted for who they are, and to partake in good food.’’
The hot drinks, morning teas and hot lunchtime meals were provided by volunteers, using ingredients sourced through KiwiHarvest and other donations.
‘‘We have a great group of volunteers, some of whom started out coming to the Salvation Army for food parcels and who are stepping up to support others,’’ she said.
‘‘People are really keen to give back and it’s lovely to see them spreading their wings and gaining in confidence.
‘‘It works very well and helps people to feel seen and acknowledged.’’
Volunteer cooks, led by Malachi Bathurst, put their ingenuity to the test, creating lunchtime meals using a sometimes quite random array of donated ingredients.
‘‘They come up with some really yummy main dishes and desserts, which everyone enjoys.’’
While people are enjoying their meals and the atmosphere of the cafe, they also have the opportunity to engage with Mrs Boyes, who will check on how they are and can help with information on where to find support.
‘‘In this kind of relaxed, social setting, it is more comfortable for people to have a quiet conversation about help they might be needing,’’ Mrs Boyes said.
‘‘We work hard to ensure this is a safe space for people to feel comfortable in and socialise if they want to.’’
A quiet ‘‘serenity corner’’ area was also set up, where there were cards, board games and adult colouring books for people to relax with.
The cafe sessions on Thursdays coincide with when volunteers are on hand to support people with laundry needs through the Orange Sky laundry pod on-site at the Salvation Army carpark.
‘‘People are so grateful to be able to come along and enjoy the social cafe, while getting their laundry done.
‘‘It’s great to have the Orange Sky laundry pod here now, so we can offer that support as well.’’
