AU – A day of food and music at Ozanam, Melbourne
In Australia, a nation with one of the highest living standards in the world, it is possible to overlook the fact that there are many who do not have a bed to sleep in and may not know where their next meal will come from. It is possible to think of such homelessness or disadvantage as applying in another country or far away, when in fact it is are in our own city and our own area.
St Vincent de Paul, now known as Vincentcare, has for many years provided support and care for such in Day Centres and in accommodation facilities. Ozanam Community Centre in North Melbourne is one of this group, a Day Centre with staff that excel in supporting Melbourne’s disadvantaged, across all ages.
On 24th April 2015, the RRT assisted the Community Centre by providing a full hot lunch to feed approximately 200 people at the Ozanam Centre. Arriving at around 10.00am with trailer fully equipped with barbecue facilities and provisions, the team was set up to serve the meal at 12.00 noon. This meal included a drink, hot chips and a hamburger comprising of meat, onion, cheese, lettuce and tomato with sauces all prepared on site by an efficient team.
The RRT also brought their Werribee band which added a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere to all, and one of the residents joined in with his guitar and helped in the singing.
This consideration of care and thinking for one another was enjoyed by all; the Ozanam staff, the recipients and the RRT team. All went away happy and many expressions of thanks were expressed and a desire by all to do it again sometime soon.
