Need A Feed hosted a breakfast in MacCabe Park on Tuesday to thank volunteers and the community for the support that has helped the food charity for seven years.
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Without volunteers and business support Need A Feed would not be able to do as much as it does distributing food, coffee and personal care items to help those in need.
Founder Shaz Harrison said many people and small businesses did amazing things to support the charity.
As did larger organisations such as Wollongong City Council, GPT and NSW Police who were involved in the formation of a Safer City Working Group.
"I want to thank everybody who has helped and been involved" Ms Harrison said.
People such as Sebelle Salon owner Lina Sorrentino who recently opened her salon to wash, cut and blow-dry the hair of 12 people gathered at the Need A Feed coffee van in Globe Lane.
And new volunteer Josh Cuneo, of At All And Sundry coffee shop Woonona, who started helping two weeks ago.
"When I heard Need A Feed had a coffee van I thought that is something I can do to help. I love coming down and meeting people here," Mr Cuneo said.
Volunteer of four years Kellie Papa got involved with the coffee van and food parcels after meeting Ms Harrison at a foragers market and hearing what she does.
"I always knew I needed to help people. When I saw what she was doing, with so much passion and drive I felt I needed to team up with this lady and give her a hand," she said.
"It is so good to see everyone smile. They are so grateful. They love it".
Detective Chief Inspector Brad Ainsworth said the Safer City Working Group had helped disadvantaged people who congregate in the mall and used public services in the city.
"We tried to look at getting them a space that was more acceptable to their needs and the public's needs. Through negotiations with council we got Globe Lane set up and introduced $1 coffees through Shaz and Need A Feed. It has just grown from there".
Insp Ainsworth said the van had also opened up communication with police officers who come down to Globe Lane and join everyone for a coffee.
"I think the work Shaz does is unbelievable," he said.
"I saw one of the ladies who got her hair done two weeks ago walking around feeling so loved".
Ms Harrison said there was a team of 15 regular volunteers who helped in different ways.
She said that kind of help was really important because with emergency food relief the number of people seeking help changes every week.
"Whoever is free takes the emergency food gift wherever it needs to go," she said.
Ms Harrison said Need A Feed is a registered charity now which means donations are tax deductable.
She said the Wollongong charity has helped thousands of people over seven years and will help many more.
"And we have rescued over 100 tonnes of food and distributed that as well".
Read more:
- A need to feed wins national recognition
- How flipping pancrepes will help put food on the table of local families
- Need a Feed lends a helping hand to more than 50 families during a food hamper distribution
- Wollongong charities Need A Feed and Darcy House hand out five tonnes of food in Christmas hampers
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
