Winter is still among us there's no doubt about that, but while we're rugged up feeling cosy inside our warm homes at night after we've eaten a home cooked meal, there are plenty who are left to sleep rough on the streets.
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In a move to make a difference and provide some comfort, Tin Shed owner Tania Aussel along with Richard Evans and LINC staff members have been running a portable soup kitchen offering hot beverages and clothes to the less fortunate and the homeless.
"We all got together and decided that we needed to help out a bit and get something started and see if we've got a need for it in Lithgow.
"We know there is a lot of homeless people in Lithgow but we were just hoping that maybe a soup kitchen offering some hot beverages might be a nice little spot for them to come, and we give some clothing and give them the opportunity to have someone to chat to," Tania said.
She said the main goal for the portable provider was to make it very informal and approachable.
"That's what we're trying to do, we want to make it very easy for them without having to go through processes, just rock up and have some hot food," she said.
Every Wednesday for about a month, Tania and her team have parked the Mint Brew coffee van down near Queen Elizabeth Park from 5.30 to 6.30pm.
"There has been a good response and every week it seems to be growing a bit, so we'll just see where it takes us really," Tania said.
She said her team at the Tin Shed also took turns in helping out each week down at the park.
"All my baristas have put their hands up to help out and we all see something different when we're down there. There seems to be not so much families, but individuals coming to us," she said.
Tania said helping those in need made her feel amazing.
"Amazing, absolutely amazing, and just the way my staff are as well.. so helpful, it's very emotional but it's a really nice thing to be able to give," she said.
She also said she hoped people didn't find her help intimidating and urged people to come down.
"I think what we're doing will grow but for now we're just giving it a go and seeing where it takes us but most importantly we're doing our bit to help the community," she said.
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Alanna Tomazin
Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
