Volunteering at Loaves & Fishes: A Heartwarming Experience

Our day volunteering at Loaves & Fishes restaurant was filled with smiles, laughter, and unforgettable moments. We began by preparing cutlery and lunch meals, wrapping each set of a knife, fork, and spoon in a napkin before dipping it in vinegar to eliminate bacteria. After that, Kyra and I helped package frozen meals for families who couldn’t make it to the restaurant but still needed support. What amazed us most was learning that this incredible charity, which serves over 40,000 meals each month across Sydney, operates entirely on donations rather than government funding. With vans stationed in various locations, Loaves and Fishes makes their services accessible to even more people in need.

As lunchtime approached, the church came alive with warmth and joy. The air was filled with uplifting piano music performed by the talented Robert, whose melodies sparked smiles and clapping from everyone present. The atmosphere was electric, with the simple joy of a shared meal bringing the community together and lifting spirits. Throughout the day, we had meaningful interactions with the guests, including one gentleman who lightened the room with his jokes, leaving everyone laughing and spreading cheer. Witnessing so many volunteers and community members come together to create such a positive and inclusive environment was truly inspiring. A big thank you to Mr Lindstrom and Ms Rowley for volunteering to come with us, they were an amazing part of this experience. This is an incredible opportunity that has made Lila, and I want to volunteer more. Thank you, Loaves & Fishes, for having us. It was so inspiring!

– Lila Zheng (Year 9) and Kyra Narang (Year 9)

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