Mathematics master Mr Robert Fuller, along with several Form IV boys, give an insight into volunteering at a vital local charity and the positive impact it can have upon both the volunteers and the people they serve.
St Canice’s Kitchen is a volunteer-run charity based in the Kings Cross and Rushcutters Bay area of Sydney, which provides a daily support service to local men and women experiencing homelessness and social exclusion. What began over 30 years ago as a simple Sunday community meal, has developed into a daily soup kitchen where over 400 volunteers serve almost 1,000 free, home-cooked, fresh meals every week.
However, St Canice’s is much more than just a food outlet – it is a place of connection for those who have no permanent address. It is somewhere for people to come together, connect and find the support they need. They operate weekly health, legal and employment clinics, provide daily showers with access to toiletries and personal care items and clothing. They run a bespoke employment training programme to support their guests back into paid work and continue to strive to add more services to provide a holistic model of support to many of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Pictured: Vaish Ramanathan and Owen Hurst (both IV)
Pictured: Boys on the meal production line
Grammar has begun to support this important community work by taking groups of Fourth and Fifth Form boys down to St Canice’s on Friday afternoons for a couple of hours after school, to learn about their services and then get the boys to roll their sleeves up, don an apron and assist with food preparation for the Saturday meal.
There has initially been strong interest from both boys and masters with a healthy wait list developing for the opportunity to attend, and plenty of boys enjoying the experience so much that they seek to return time and again.
Pictured: Ishan Pal (IV) shows his cooking skills
“I enjoyed working together as a team towards a greater goal, and knowing you were doing it for a real purpose. I think it’s important to do something for people in need – especially as privileged Grammar boys.”
Zakary King (IV)
“I love cooking for fun, but it felt much more rewarding cooking for those who don’t have the opportunity or even the facilities to cook for themselves. I believe it is extremely important to give back to those less fortunate.”
Hugh Gavagna (IV)
“It was a great experience and I enjoyed cooking and making a difference with some friends. It enabled us to learn more about the causes of homelessness and actively make a difference for those less fortunate.”
George Adamovich (IV)
“I think it’s important to give up time for less fortunate members in our community as I believe that people with privilege should try help those in more unfair situations when they can.”
Jacob Booker (IV)
“Community service is a growing area of interest of mine, and the St Canice’s Kitchen volunteering programme has been a great introduction to the simple ways in which high school pupils can help those who are struggling.”
Gabriel Joseph (IV)
"Volunteering at St Canice’s Kitchen was an enjoyable experience which allowed me to help others in the community and to use our resources to improve people’s daily lives.
Owen Hurst (IV)
“I think it is important to volunteer, as it gives us the opportunity to help give back to the community and those in need.”
Vaishvik Ramanathan (IV)
“Volunteering helps you realise so many things which you take for granted around you. I live just five minutes’ walk from the St Canice Kitchen, but I wasn’t aware of the immense hardship that those using the service often experience.”
Aaron Gupta (IV)
“I think it’s important to be reminded of the broader community beyond our school – both those that are less fortunate and the people helping them. It feels great contributing to a cause for someone who might really need it.”
Elijah Habashy (IV)