Posted on November 20th, 2024

Cabra-Vale Diggers has donated a brand-new van to Community Café Inc. — a community organisation founded by Kirsty Parkes in 2021.

The van, funded through the ClubGRANTS program, will be used to collect and deliver food to families in need throughout the Fairfield LGA, significantly expanding the reach and efficiency of Community Café Inc.’s support for families in crisis.

Since its establishment, Community Café Inc. has become a beacon of hope for countless families, offering more than just food — it also provides a sense of community, solace and a “hand up” to those struggling with basic necessities.

In addition to the financial support of over $140,000 from Cabra-Vale Diggers, which enabled the café’s growth and expansion, Cabra-Vale Diggers staff actively volunteer at the café’s events. Last Christmas, Cabra-Vale’s CFO and Marketing Manager joined the café’s festive gathering, serving meals, hosting activities and handing out gifts to children who might not otherwise receive a present during the holidays.

Community Café Inc. founder Kirsty Parkes has been at the forefront, driven by her own experiences and a history of selfless volunteering. Recognising the profound need for community support amidst rising financial instability in areas like Liverpool and Fairfield, Kirsty has rallied her community to create a space that transcends mere food distribution, providing programs from food hampers to educational classes, and even support for school formals.

“Cabra-Vale Diggers’ contribution has been truly transformative for us,” said Kirsty.

“This van is more than just a vehicle — it’s a lifeline that helps us reach families in their time of need. We are so grateful for this partnership, which brings essential support to people who need it most.”

Cabra-Vale Diggers remains committed to building resilient and supportive communities, ensuring that Community Café Inc. can continue to serve as a haven for families facing hardship. The donation of this van exemplifies Cabra-Vale Diggers’ dedication to creating tangible impacts and fostering sustainable change within the Fairfield LGA.

The van enables the organisation to keep pace with the overwhelming demand for food, which saw them distribute over 69,000 meals to more than 33,000 individuals in 2023 alone.