An exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the community’s most vulnerable, and receive a meaningful gift is now available at HBNC.

Comfort Kitchen, a free community meal delivered every week at the Hervey Bay Community Centre, is seeking donations from the community. This fully self-funded community service is entirely dependent on donations and sponsorship, so your generosity will directly help feed close to 100 people in need each week.

Now, we are excited to announce that all donations of $100 or more to Comfort Kitchen will receive a Neighbourhood Share Plate as a free gift.

Donate online today

The Neighbourhood Share Plate is a thoughtfully engraved wooden platter, designed to encouraging sharing and connection over food. The design, created by Wolfpack Laser in the new tech hub at The Neighbourhood Hive, promotes the importance of sharing with the community.

Tanya Stevenson, HBNC’s CEO, said the platters captured the spirit of Comfort Kitchen.

“Comfort Kitchen has always been about connection, first and foremost. This free weekly meal not only provides nutritious food to families and individuals who need it most, it also offers community and a place to belong for those who feel isolated and lonely,” Tanya said.

“The Neighbourhood Share Plates encourage connection over food and they have been designed to be reused and passed along as gifts.

“Please, if you are able, consider donating to Comfort Kitchen, to help keep this vital community service running. Donations of $100 and over will receive a free gift of a Neighbourhood Share Platter, but all donation amounts are welcome.”

To donate, simply visit www.hbnc.com.au/Appeal/comfort-kitchen-appeal, or call 4194 3000 if you are unable to donate online.

Comfort Kitchen statistics

HBNC’s free weekly community meal, Comfort Kitchen, has experienced a steady rise in numbers so far in 2023.

A total of 228 meals were served in January, 243 in February, 289 in March, 273 in April and 362 in May.

This comes after a very busy end of the year for Comfort Kitchen, with 402 meals served in November and 343 in December.

HBNC continues to provide other forms of relief, including making non-perishable food items and toiletries available through the Bless Box. Items are donated by community members, local businesses and organisations.

MEDIA CONTACT

For more information, photos and interview opportunities, contact Operations Manager Christian Berechree on [email protected] or 0484 383 055.