Hot meals for homeless

A service by the St Vincent de Paul Society providing a hot breakfast to the homeless and those in need on the Peninsula has proved successful, according to regional president Mr Peter Smith.

Mr Smith said volunteers had been providing a warm and nutritious breakfast for the homeless and other needy companions once a month in Woy Woy.

"We are averaging around 13 meals per month," Mr Smith said.

"We have been providing a hot breakfast to our homeless and needy companions in the Memorial Park in Brickwharf Rd since April 2010.

"Breakfast has been provided on the fourth Saturday of the month from 9am.

"The meal is cooked and served by students from St Joseph's Catholic College, East Gosford, assisted by their parents."

Mr Smith said two more breakfasts were planned: on October 23 and November 27.

"A cuppa, hot meal and a chat have brought many of those in our community doing it tough together," Mr Smith said.

"The students from Joeys came up with the idea after many of them had gone to Sydney to assist Vinnies in its evening activities around the city.

"They are a credit to themselves, their school and their families.

"Staff from Centrelink on the Peninsula have also been most generous in supporting this activity by providing toiletries for our companions and we thank them for their help."

Press release, 16 Sep 2010 Peter Smith, St Vincent de Paul Society