WALKING WITH THE EXCLUDED
By Violet Cabral, Marketing Intern, The Cardoner Network
On 31 July, The Cardoner Network, Plate It Forward and Wayside Bondi collaborated with the Anawim Society to host a restaurant lunch in a safe and friendly environment for around 35 people who do not often experience restaurant dining. Anawim hosts these lunches all over Australia to provide an opportunity for guests who are typically experiencing tough times to enjoy a meal free of charge, surrounded by welcoming faces and good company.
All photos by Violet Cabral.
Plate It Forward (Cardoner’s tenant at 202 Broadway in the Sydney CBD) operates Kyiv Social, a social enterprise Ukrainian restaurant. They generously provided their wonderful food and exceptionally welcoming serving staff for this lunch. Wayside Bondi Community encouraged members of their homeless and needy community that this was a lunch not to be missed and, with Anawim’s help, ensured that everyone arrived safely at the Chippendale location. Meanwhile, The Cardoner Network (the Jesuits’ ministry for young adults) arranged for three young adult volunteers to mingle and dine with the guests, sparking meaningful conversations.
What led you to be part of this initiative?
The initial call to participate in this initiative was clear to all involved. One volunteer from The Cardoner Network said, “I was immediately drawn to participating in the Wayside Community Lunch as it provided an amazing opportunity to sit down and share a meal with people whom I wouldn’t otherwise interact with. I also knew it was a rare opportunity to be able to hear people’s quite extraordinary life stories – which turned out to be the best part of the meal.”
Plate It Forward’s involvement was driven by their aligned mission in using food to build communities and foster understanding. “My job at the restaurant involves participating in similar initiatives, so I was delighted to help facilitate this event” said a Kyiv Social employee. Similarly, Wayside Bondi’s involvement was fueled by the importance of community: “I like to support Wayside as they have helped me so much. I wanted to support the elders who were attending and was curious to taste Ukrainian food. It was delightful to see people who had never been served before enjoying the multi-course meal and even being given a choice of drinks!”
What was the most impactful interaction you had?
Each interaction at the event left a lasting impression on everyone involved. One volunteer from The Cardoner Network recounted a particularly impactful conversation: “My favourite experience was talking to a lady who had fled her home at five years old and sought refuge in Italy, leaving family behind. Hearing about her hardships and the challenges of establishing herself in a new country filled me with amazement at her resilience and made me deeply grateful for the stability I have experienced.”
From Plate It Forward’s perspective, their interactions provided a sense of inclusion: “These events help people feel fully part of society.” In addition, Wayside Bondi identified just how positive the event was: “I loved meeting the university students. Outings like this attract people and encourage them to engage in other services. It was wonderful to see everyone engaged in deep conversations, which is often challenging for our visitors. Everyone is asking when we can do it again.”
Anawim is excited to be involved again with Cardoner and Kyiv Social. Fr Tom Stevens notes, “These gatherings are much more than addressing the important issue of quality food availability, but delve deeper into the human issue of rejoicing at what friendships and caring communities can build. (They enable us) to reach beyond societal limits which can be placed on us, and indeed which we can place on ourselves, to break down boundaries and emerge stronger, more caring and invigorated, all around the love and dignity of a shared quality meal.”
How can you see this concept growing in the future?
The next Anawim event is scheduled for early October, and all are hoping for a similar or even greater impact.
A volunteer from The Cardoner Network was enthusiastic about remaining involved and opening the opportunity up to more volunteers: “I hope this initiative can open its doors to more communities. Having more young adults involved in the setting up of the event and interacting with visiting communities can only increase the energy levels, which should greatly benefit everyone.”
Plate It Forward would also love to lend their support: “These are rewarding experiences, and it’s just so lovely that people are constantly trying to help us in every possible way with the service.”
Overall, the collaboration between these organisations, underpinned by the careful planning of the Anawim Society, not only provides a memorable dining experience but also fosters a greater sense of community.
Banner image by Engin_Akyurt, Canva.