When Greg and Bettina Jameson came to the Soul Warmers Café and CO-OP in Mittagong as clients, they wanted to support others who were doing it tough in the Highlands.
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The couple came to the community café and food co-op in 2015, after a car accident changed it all - they both worked full-time at the time, and Bettina said it "changed it forever".
"He and I couldn't believe it, the next day we came for hampers," Bettina said.
The initiative is ran by the not-for-profit organisation Highland Grace, and offers food hampers, household essentials, fresh produce, bread, ready-made-meals, frozen and cold foods, and complimentary coffee made by a barista.
Greg said there was a perception that everyone in the the Highlands was well off and could afford everyday items, but people of all ages and walks of life turned up weekly.
It was not just people across the region who came for support - clients also travel from Tahmoor and Picton.
"It's always been hard in this area," he said.
"We're getting busier and busier."
The community-led space collaborates with the St Vincent de Paul Society, Foodbank Australia, as well as local supermarkets and businesses.
Long-time volunteer Sally Jackson said the service was thankful to have support in the region, and Greg was thankful for Danielle John's support from Home-Start in Bowral.
A total of 140 tonnes was donated through the co-op in 2022 - a 30 tonne increase since 2021.
"We are making a difference in the community," Greg said.
The couple volunteer 25 hours per week and pick up food from supermarkets and charities before it is organised for hampers.
The space is open every Thursday from 9.15am to 12pm.
Food hampers are $25 each and cold and frozen food is discounted.
Due to the pandemic, volunteers have not been able to run the café for a couple of years, but hope to this in 2023, and are in search of more volunteers.
People who are interested in helping out can call Greg on 0431 408 633.
Learn more about the initiative via Soul Warmers Café and CO-OP on Facebook.
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Briannah Devlin
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
