Mobile soup van in Ulverstone delivers kindness
October 11, 2019
A grant from Anglicare is supporting the Ulverstone Parish to establish a mobile soup van.
Aptly named ‘A Cup of Kindness’, the gypsy style mobile soup van now operates two evenings each week.
Margaret Savage, Anglicare’s Parish Community Development Worker, said the $4500 parish grant would cover the cost of completing a fit out of the van and buying food.
“Over many years the Parish has been providing food hampers to local people in need which Anglicare has been pleased to support. The van is a natural extension of this food ministry,” said Margaret.
Parish councillor Dianne Thorpe came up with the idea. “When I was running my own business I always promised myself, in my prayers, that when I retired I would make my life count – to reach out and do things that were in my heart to do,” said Dianne.
“Then the van appeared. I was on my way home from Stanley when I saw it for sale in a yard and I thought ‘that’s it’. It was a bit of a miracle really”. She bought the van the next day!
Having previously volunteered with food vans while living in Western Australia, Dianne felt confident she could contribute to the Ulverstone community in the same way. The Parish embraced the concept and a team of parishioners are ready to help prepare nourishing soups and take turns on the roster of servers.
“We use real mugs, not throw-away cups,” said Dianne. “It’s better for the environment and it’s so much nicer to drink soup out of big chunky mugs”.
The wider Ulverstone community are supportive of the ministry.
Central Coast Council approved an ideal location for the van and local businesses are also coming on board with food donations. The Parish is hoping to work collaboratively with other churches in the ongoing operation of the service.
‘Kindness’ is Dianne’s “most favourite word in the world”. It is no surprise the van exudes a welcoming charm.
Anglicare provides grants to parishes as a part of our partnership with the Anglican Church. You can find out more at About Us
