Free Friday community dinners are more than just a meal

VICTORY Community Wangaratta is continuing its nine year tradition of sharing a free meal on Friday nights. All are welcome to come along from 5:30pm, with dinner served at 6pm, in the church at One Mile Creek Reserve in Ryan Avenue. Pastor Bruce Hordern said it's their job to be a blessing to the community, "not necessarily for them to bless us". "We feed 60 to 80 people every week, prior to COVID it was 80 to100. "I think that's something the community should know about and celebrate. "Volunteers have been serving their community, tirelessly for nine years. "So many areas of our community have accessed it, not just low socio economic, not just homeless and marginalised people, but all sectors of the community because it is a safe friendly supportive community. "Everyone is looked after here." In a cost of living crisis, the need is increasing and Pastor Hordern said they would welcome any assistance. "This has been self funded from our community but now we are having to be creative to reduce the cost," he said. "We don't meet during school holiday's now as a cost saver and it also gives the volunteers a break. "For nine years we've been doing this but with rising costs it is getting harder to meet the need, anyone who is willing to contribute would help ensure it's security. "Any help would go along way." People wishing to help can go to the church's website (https://victorycommunity.com.au/) and make a donation. Pastor Hordern said the Friday evening gathering isn't just about a meal, it is also about helping address isolation and connectivity. "People are coming for the connection, the support, the friendships they find and the delight from seeing people come together and care for one another," he said. "It a safe, supportive, positive community and that's what people experience here. "It's not just for those in physical need, it's for anybody who loves community and loves getting out and doing something on a Friday night. "Know that you will be welcomed, there will be a good hearty meal and some conversation. "A vast array of people have supported us doing this over the past nine years and they have made it what it is today."

Free Friday community dinners are more than just a meal

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