Interested in giving back to the local community where you work?  Take a look at the ways that as a team we are giving back.

Avida felt that they needed to do more within the local area and when CEO Ben Binns heard Lana speak on radio about her charity and the amazing things that they do in the local community, Avida reached out to them to see how they could help.

Mama Lana’s Community Foundation (MLCF) is a wholly not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping our often forgotten homeless and underprivileged community in the greater Penrith region, to advance their wellbeing and prospects for future independence. The foundation offers hot meals six nights a week, supplies food and toiletry packs, as well as providing clothing, sleeping bags, swags and blankets to keep the homeless and underprivileged warm during cold Penrith nights.

MLCF also work with and assist other local charities and support services. When we can we respond to crisis calls from people who need a hand up with food, clothing, furniture, and in some cases, financial issues.

Visit Mama Lana’s/ Turn the Tables website for more information

Humbling Experience – words by Kathleen Clements

Following on from raising awareness in our first newsletter of one of the many charities Avida supports, several team members volunteered to assist in food service for Mama Lana’s patrons on Tuesday 20th September.

Each day from Monday to Saturday, Mama Lana’s volunteers prepare approximately 300 meals for an evening food service.  A hot meal is provided along with a few other staples to get them through the next day.  Local shops, restaurants and cafes donate what they can, so patrons can take other essential items with them such as bread, fruit, and vegetables.  Volunteers are also on standby to help assist those that need other essential items that are donated by the community such as clothes, nappies, and toiletry supplies.

The experience was humbling and a huge eye opener to those suffering in the community.  More so then ever, many are finding it difficult to make ends meet. For many patrons who are homeless, this nightly service is a saving grace to what they are confronted with each day.  For others it means staple meal often forgone to help keep a roof over their heads.

Mama Lana’s philosophy resonates as the patrons come through ‘We believe in kindness with no strings.’  There is no judging, just kindness, exactly what the patrons need. We were grateful to be a part of the service and giving back to the members of the community in need. So much so that we will continue to volunteer.

If you wish to support Mama Lana’s there are many ways that you can do so.  From monetary donations, to donating essential items as noted on their website through to signing up to donate your time.

POEM BY SARAH TICKNER (VOLUNTEER)

There is a group of people
Gathered under the bridge tonight
The broken and discarded
Usually hidden from our sight.

They come for hot food and shelter
Conversation, clothes, and "things"
Those that were once wary
Now know this kindness has no "strings".

We're here because we care
Their stories need a voice
Sometimes life can be so cruel
And leave you without a choice.

And even though they don't have much
Barely the essential "things"
There's joy and there's laughter
And comfort this "family" brings.

They don't want your money
Harsh words or sympathy
They just want you to look at them
And NOT judge what you see.

Take them for who they are,
Be it addict, sick or worse
Be sure you cannot "catch it"
By taking time to just converse.

Their appreciation is great
Their smiles genuine and true,
And I bet you find by helping them,
You'll find you're helping you.

If you would like to donate your time and help serve food to those in need, please click the button below and email us with your FULL NAME and AVAILABLE NIGHT/S that you are able to assist.