AU – Sydney Rapid Relief Team & Parramatta Mission Feed the Homeless
The Parramatta Mission has been providing vital services to homeless people, those at risk of homelessness and the mentally ill for over 40 years. Their history can be traced back to 1821 with the opening of the first chapel on the current site. They are now one of the largest providers of community services in Western Sydney. One of the most necessary and highly appreciated services they provide is the daily provision of a hot meal for people unable to provide for themselves.
On the 31st of January 2015 the Sydney Rapid Relief Team assisted The Parramatta Mission with this Herculean task!!
500 sausages, 12 and half kg of onions, 4 bags of bread rolls and 30 cartons of bottled water were donated by RRT for the meal. The team worked closely with the Parramatta Mission staff, preparing salads, pasta dishes, bread rolls and sausages. As the consumers arrived (approx. 200), plates were loaded and drink distributed, followed by a round of scooped ice cream and fruit.
Live music helped the atmosphere with members of the crowd requesting songs, and joining in with the singing and dancing.
All involved had a good day and the RRT would like to thank the Parramatta Mission for the opportunity to be involved in the excellent work they do caring for those on the fringe of society.
RAISING HOPE
The Parramatta Mission has also requested the Rapid Relief Team be involved with the ‘Raising Hope’ event at the end of May 2015. Raising Hope is specifically for the purpose of empowering women facing homelessness. The cause came about as a result of findings that 44% of homeless people are women and a staggering figure in Australia of 46,000 women being homeless. Most services for homeless people cater to men and Parramatta Mission’s vision is “To provide crisis accommodation for women facing homelessness”.
To raise funds, Parramatta Mission have asked for entities, of which RRT is one, to partner with them at the event where those that partner with benefit in the following ways; marketing and brand awareness, Certificate of Appreciation acknowledging generous contributions, networking, partnering with an organisation with a strong history, ethics and recognition as a community leader and service provider, to name a few. The money raised from the event will be put towards a holistic approaching to housing and social inclusion for these women.
RRT recognises this great need and we are committed to support Parramatta Mission with Raising Hope. We are excited at the prospect of being involved and have accepted to partner with Parramatta Mission as a “Platinum Gala Partner” which includes a donation of $5,500 towards this worthy cause. 10 RRT members will attend the event, more details relating to the event will come soon!
