Dear Ladles Supporter
Winter can be brutal, and no one knows this better than the vulnerable people in our communities who battle to find shelter from the fierce winds and lashing rain. The sun might be shining briefly today, but one can’t imagine the despair that comes from being soaked, homeless and destitute. This is what fuels us to keep doing what we do.
Our Dignity Kitchen provides hot, healthy meals to displaced people: people who, for whatever reason, have fallen on tough times and are unable to buy or cook a meal. The faces of the people in our line would shock you. They are men, women, children, young adults and the elderly, often joined by their beloved dogs. Imagine the courage and sense of survival it takes to reach a point where you are standing in line at a soup kitchen.
We have a ritual of hand-washing before meal service and believe that the gesture of a volunteer pouring water over a fellow human’s hands provides dignity, respect and an extraordinary connection. There can be no greater act of kindness than being in service to people who are less fortunate, looking into their eyes and acknowledging their current situation, not with judgement, but with compassion.
Every hot, delicious meal we serve is made with love and prepared by our Dignity Kitchen chefs and a team of volunteers, who have signed up via our website, choosing to be in service. The kitchen is a hub of activity, and the constant buzz of conversation, giggling and laughter makes this space feel like home. People travel from far and wide to return to volunteer in our kitchen because something magical happens when you do good. It’s a feeling you can’t describe because it is energising in a different way, literally feeding your soul.
Preparing for service is like poetry in motion, as the veteran volunteers guide the newcomers and form a bond of camaraderie that is wonderful to see. Within 30 minutes, it is all systems go, the bowls are full, the bread balances on top and the juice is poured.
Ladles of Love operates on a currency of kindness. Whether you’re a donor, a volunteer or a supporter, however you are engaging with us, you are making an impact. It is all these acts of kindness that make one huge impact of love.
We thank you for walking this journey with us and for being there for us. When winter bites, as it is now, your warmth and generosity are what fuel us to keep doing what we do for the most vulnerable people in our communities.
Consider doing your 67-minutes this Mandela Day at one of our flagship events to ensure that the little children at preschools in our poorest communities are eating healthy daily meals this winter.
Danny and the Ladles of Love team. ❤️
