The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society and Grill’d have joined forces to feed Australians doing it tough this Christmas.
From dinnertime tomorrow, 6 December at 5pm, five Grill’d CBD restaurants in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide will offer one free meal to an Australian doing it tough.
Approximately 3.24 million Australians live below the poverty line.
On the first Tuesday night of every month, a CBD restaurant in every capital city closes its doors to paying customers and welcomes non-paying guests for a free hamburger, chips and drink.
Grill’d founder and managing director Mr Simon Crowe said Grill’d is passionate about giving back to those in need.
“Our City Support Dinner initiative has been a great chance to invite people into our restaurants for a meal,” Mr Crowe said.
“This can be a combination of a burger, chips, chicken bites, and a drink. It’s up to the individual to choose.
“It’s not just the free meals that make a difference on these nights; it’s about bringing our team together with their local community to engage with people who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to be catered for in a restaurant,” Mr Crowe added.
The City Support Dinner initiative began at Grill’d Southern Cross in Melbourne in March this year before expanding nationally in April and has provided over 7,000 meals across multiple states.
The Salvation Army’s Major Brendan Nottle said that Christmas is the busiest time of the year for The Salvos, as they support Aussies doing it tough.
“One of the main things we see people missing out on at Christmas is a special Christmas meal.
“This partnership with Grill’d means that the most vulnerable and isolated in our community can have that special time for connection and joy,” Major Nottle said.
“We thank Grill’d for their generous support of The Salvation Army through this partnership.”
Every month, Grill’d donates $80,000 to local groups through its Local Matters program.
Now in its eleventh year, Local Matters connects restaurants to local groups and is a way of giving back to the communities in which Grill’d operate.
To date, Grill has donated over $6.5 million to over 30,000 community groups.
Josie Charbel, manager of Vinnies Vans NSW, praised Grill’d for their initiative in setting up these monthly events.
“They create a safe space for people experiencing disadvantage to eat in a public place, enjoy a meal and other people’s company with dignity,” Mr Charbel added.
Mr Crowe added that Christmas can be a difficult time for many.
“We are committed to providing a meal to those that need it most,” Mr Crowe added.
“Now, more than ever, we’re calling on all businesses to step up and support those in need this Christmas and beyond.”
You can donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal by visiting salvationarmy.org.au or by
calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)
You can donate to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal at vinnies.org.au or by calling 13 18 12
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