Transit Soup Kitchen & Food Support

Today, we want to give a huge shout-out to our legend of a volunteer, Levi. Levi shows up to Transit nearly every day – always with a big smile, a fist pump and a “what can I do to help next?” His energy is infectious, his heart is massive and he jumps in wherever he’s needed, no questions asked. Volunteers like Levi don’t just help us run Transit – they lift the whole place. Levi, we appreciate you more than you know. Thanks for showing up, giving your all and bringing so much joy to Transit. We love you!

Thank you to SEDA College VIC and Tyler for your ‘Pack of Kindness’ care packages - filled with women’s products and essentials - along with uplifting notes and funny jokes! These thoughtful gifts bring dignity and comfort to women doing it tough.

A sincere thank you to Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen JP - City of Casey and the City of Casey for hosting a special breakfast to recognise and appreciate the incredible emergency food relief agencies across our community. Thank you also to Belinda Wilson , Cr Melinda Ambros - Deputy Mayor, City of Casey, Cr Kim Ross. Casuarina Ward, City of Casey and all the Councillors who came along to show their support. It was more than just a delicious breakfast – it was a chance to connect, share ideas and chat about how we can team up to make an even bigger impact together. We’re also so grateful for the invitation for our own Michelle Pinxt to join the panel and share about the work happening at Transit Soup Kitchen & Food Support – and the exciting steps ahead in food relief and wrap-around support.

At Transit, we know that many who come to us are not always OK. Today, on R U OK? Day, we were reminded of the power of community and connection. 💛 A big thank you to Deanne and Kristyn from Aligned Leisure for offering heavily subsidised gym memberships and swimming lessons—showing how physical health can strengthen mental wellbeing. We’re also grateful to Richard and Lynne from the Rotary Club of Narre Warren for helping on the BBQ, to Bakers Delight Cranbourne and Bakers Delight Narre Warren for generously donating the bread, and to Anthony Hanna JP & Community Engagements and team for sourcing and collecting it. It was wonderful to come together to support our community in both practical and meaningful ways.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who joined today’s Child Safety & Mandatory Reporting session last week. These aren’t always easy conversations, but they matter deeply – especially when we’re supporting some of the most vulnerable in our community. We’re proud to have a team that leans in, listens, and takes action. Souvlaki lunch and a big chat about all things Transit followed – because safety, care and community go hand in hand. We appreciate you all!

Barista skills, brewed with purpose. This week at Transit Soup Kitchen & Food Support, we were proud to host a hands-on barista training course for our guests – equipping them with real-world skills, boosted confidence, and a pathway towards employment. Thanks to the passionate team from Grade A Mobile Cafe training team, participants learned the art of making a good Melbourne coffee, with plenty of taste-testing by our grateful (and highly caffeinated!) volunteers and guests. At Transit, we believe support goes 'Beyond the Meal'. That’s why we’re investing in programs that build dignity, opportunity, and long-term change. If you're a local employer looking for entry-level hospitality staff – reach out! We've got some freshly trained talent ready to serve ☕ . #CommunityImpact #BaristaTraining #FoodReliefWithDignity #TransitSoupKitchen #BeyondTheMeal #EmploymentPathways #HospitalityTraining #CaseyCommunity #GradeACoffee

588 guests provided with food last Thursday! A big thanks to the Simplot Australia Pty Ltd team for jumping in with energy and smiles all round From unloading groceries and setting up, to sorting blankets and clothing and handing out food - you helped keep things moving and guests feeling welcome. We love working alongside teams who just get stuck in. Thanks again for being part of the day!

More than 1 in 3 households in Victoria couldn’t afford the food they needed in the last year. Let that sink in. One in three. Think of your street. There’s your house, the house next door and the house beside that. Statistically, one of you is struggling to put food on the table. And this is not just in your street, it’s throughout Victoria. It’s a pretty heartbreaking stat, isn’t it? We’d love your help to feed the people in your street, in your town, in your city. If you can help, please donate at the link below. 💜 https://lnkd.in/gKM7kEBJ

Did you know we’ve got around 130 dedicated volunteers who help out at Transit? They work across all kinds of teams: – from our two Kitchen Teams led by Head Chef Des (serving up full 3-course meals). - to our Dairy and Meat Teams, making sure food stays fresh. - our Grocery Teams, sorting and distributing crates of pantry items. - Our Fruit and Veg Teams, checking quality so our guests only get the best. - We’ve got drivers out seven days a week in the Transit vans picking up donations. -Plus our teams on bread, pet food, and toiletries/baby supplies. WHAT CHAMPIONS!! So to say thanks, we’ve teamed up with Shanikas Restaurants Restaurant in Berwick to run a Volunteer-only raffle! Every time a volunteer signs in, they get an entry into the draw! Prizes: 1st: $100 Shanikas dining voucher – enjoy an extra-special meal out with a friend or partner. 2nd, 3rd & 4th: A Shanikas' Pantry Gourmet Meal to heat and enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Massive thanks to Shanikas Berwick for helping us show our volunteers some love and for supporting our community so wholeheartedly. If you haven't been to there before - we promise, they will not disappoint! https://shanikas.com.au/

When you show up to help others, you’re not just offering support, you’re becoming the light someone desperately needed. You may not always realize it, but your presence, your listening ear, your small gesture can shift someone’s entire day, even their life. Being there isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about having the heart to care. So stand tall, lean in, and be that person, because the world needs more people like you. 📘Read our book : Transform Your Life in 120 Days: My Journey of (Re)Birth Through Gratitude 👉 https://geni.us/QPVAnww ⭐ #motivation #leadership