EACH Monday at the Wauchope Country Club, a team of volunteers prepares and serves a hot meal for those in need.
Make a Difference (M.A.D), a not-for-profit charity based in Port Macquarie, regularly offers a meal and conversation to around 20 people, in association with Oz Harvest and the Country Club.
They consider their guests “friends”.
News Of The Area spoke with the volunteers this week.
“We have been here for about 18 months and we try to do this with what is donated,” Suzanne Strauh said.
“The recent flooding saw us short of some supplies; it took three weeks for bread to catch up.”
The day’s menu consisted of Sticky Glazed Chicken Drumsticks on a Vegetable Rice Pilaf with an Orange Cake for dessert.
“Suzanne is an amazing trained chef and she generates a menu each week from whatever is available,” team member Helen Bicket said.
Volunteer Judy Crick added, “We are also prepping for [a] meal at Marine Rescue in Port Macquarie for about 35-40 people.”
M.A.D. also has a coffee van, from which Julie Brice was serving hot drinks for each of the friends.
“Names are important – we know most of the friends by name because they are regulars.”
The warmth and respect shown by the hosts was reciprocated.
“Haven’t had a bad meal since they started here – M.A.D. looks after us,” said a regular.
In 2024, M.A.D. community food services provided 4710 meals for adults and 306 meals for children.
“A meal and a chat can make such a difference,” said team member Karen Green.
Ms Straugh agreed.
“Sometimes the only difference we can make in this world is in our own community.”
By Pauline CAIN
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