A taste of community spirit over the Easter long weekend

While the Easter long weekend has traditionally been a time to spend with family, community or in campgrounds across the country, Easter 2020 saw everyone adapting to the restrictive conditions of COVID-19.

Salvation Army churches across Australia held services via video link and connected church members through chat groups and pre-recorded video messages.

Many Salvos also spent the weekend connecting with community members in need and ensuring nobody felt forgotten or alone this Easter.

A traditional Maori feast for Melbourne’s homeless

People experiencing homelessness were treated to a traditional Maori meal on Easter Sunday, courtesy of Melbourne-based caterers, Hangiboys.

Prepared in their commercial kitchen and adhering to health and hygiene regulations, the meals were donated to The Salvation Army’s Magpie Nest at 614. Clients were then treated to a traditional pork and lamb stew all served in individual takeaway containers.

Hangiboys is a catering company run by four guys from the north island of New Zealand. They aim to showcase the cuisine of their heritage and culture using modern day techniques. The term ‘hangi’ describes a traditional and historic Maori method of cooking over heated rocks buried in a pit oven. ‘Hangi’ stems from pre-colonial days and has been passed on through generations.

Knowing all too well the financial loss the hospitality industry has suffered due to the pandemic (they had some major functions and festivals lined up), the guys at Hangiboys decided to give back to the Melbourne community that has given them so much over the years.

“We chose the Salvos as my older brother does a lot of charity work for Salvos in Auckland, NZ through his work,” said business partner Kareem. “I thought why not reach out to those, like the homeless, as they seem to be the forgotten people in all of this.” 

On their Facebook page the boys stated:

“Kia ora Whanau. Boys felt compelled to help those struggling to put Kai on the table during these unprecedented times. After 12 hours, 300 meals, and three separate charities we are truly humbled, exhausted but proud we could play our part in supporting those in need. Thanks to Salvation Army, Awhi Melbourne Whanau and Back 2 Basics Melbourne for accepting our Kai.

The real heroes are the ones who devote their time and energy day in day out helping whanau. So many can’t make ends meet and are suffering, some too proud to accept help and unsure if they will have food and provisions next week. If you can help that would be great.”

Chocolate bunnies and toilet rolls

At Villawood, in Sydney's south-west, Dan Taylor, Communities of Hope outreach worker and Major Bryce Davies spent part of the Easter weekend delivering Easter care packs to every single unit at a Housing NSW complex, where the team operates a Salvation Army Community of Hope program.

“We really wanted to make it a surprise,” said Dan about the team putting the care packs onto people’s doorsteps, knocking on the door and then making a hasty getaway! “A few people came out and they were surprised that we were still doing things like that ... they felt worthy and it put a bit of a smile on people’s faces.”

The Easter care packs contained a chocolate bunny and information about how people can get in touch if they need assistance or want to have a chat. “It also had in it a roll of toilet paper and a big bar of soap,” said Dan. “People were more excited about seeing the toilet paper than anything else!”

Despite COVID-19 restrictions, the Communities of Hope team is still connecting with people through phone calls, mowing people's lawns, and a new WhatsApp messenger group where positive messages and helpful information is shared among members.

WA youth get a cool treat

In an effort to stay connected with young people who may be feeling the frustrations of isolation, a state-wide Easter Magnum drop in Western Australia was organised, delighting more than 100 youth and young adults.

Wanting to maintain connections after the annual Easter camp was cancelled due to COVID-19, Salvation Army youth leaders came up with a catchy hashtag – #gotmymagnum.

“We had 12 youth workers and volunteers, 130 Magnums, 10 participating corps, and also delivered to The Salvation Army’s Crossroads West (youth homelessness program),” said Aux-Lieutenant Steve Freind, Youth and Young Adults Secretary for Western Australia.

“Magnums were dropped as far south as Bunbury (175km), north to Quinns Rock (45km) and east to Kalgoorlie (600km), so it was a long day, but a really cool one.”

The Magnum drop created a valuable opportunity to reconnect with youth involved with The Salvation Army and was received with great delight from the 100 plus young people who waited in their driveways with anticipation.

“One young guy who’d been struggling and hadn’t been out of his pyjamas for two weeks had a shower, got dressed and waited for his youth leaders to come,” said Steve. “They were able to have a really good conversation. Others were reassured that they belong, and that we are there for them.”