Dinner difference

By Dion Teasdale
HEALESVILLE residents experiencing financial hardship or looking for social contact are being invited to have Dinner at Darrons.
Last week Healesville InterChurch Care Incorporated (HICCI) commenced a new weekly community meals program at the Darron Honey Centre.
The community meals, known as Dinner at Darrons, will be held every Tuesday evening from 5.30pm to 7pm and offers members of the community the chance to enjoy a wholesome twocourse meal free of charge.
On the menu last week was a tasty chicken casserole with rice, bread and julienne style carrots, followed by apple crumble and warm custard with tea and coffee.
HICCI transport manager Kerri Goding said the program aims to address social isolation in the community and provide a place for people to enjoy a nutritious meal in a friendly environment.
“The meals program … is about building stronger relationships in the community. It is an opportunity for people looking for companionship to come together and share a nutritious meal and connect to others.”
Mrs Goding said the first six months of the program, which will be staffed and run by a team of 40 volunteers, will be paid for by the Salvation Army.
“We are hoping local businesses and the wider community will come on board and help us keep it running beyond that by donating what they can,” she said.
“Toscano’s Fruit shop on Healesville’s main street have committed to donating a box of fruit and vegetables each week and we’d love other businesses to get behind the program, too.”
Mrs Goding said the program was implemented in response to overwhelming demand for a meals program from the community.
The meals program has been inspired by the Vineyard Christian Fellowship, which has been running a similar program in Lilydale for the past five years, Mrs Goding said.
“We’ve had a good turn out in our first week and it should grow from there. People of all ages, and from all walks of life are invited to attend.”
The Darron Honey Centre is behind the Uniting Church on Maroondah Highway, Healesville, opposite the Memorial Hall.
For more information contact HICCI on 5965 3522.