Kick Start’s kindness: The driving force behind Street Feast

The annual Sydney and Parramatta Street Feast usually attracts a wonderful crowd, marking Pope Francis’ World Day of the Poor. With the disruption of COVID-19 lockdowns, organisers had to think of a new approach.
So, it was decided if the disadvantaged couldn’t come to a feast, then the food would be delivered to them.

General Manager Paul Borghetti and Senior Café Manager Bryn Tustin all smiles ahead of a delivery run.

PAYCE Foundation social enterprise Kick Start played a pivotal role in the on-ground logistical effort, delivering 550 care packages to Sydney’s most marginalised.

General Manager Paul Borghetti, Program and Impact Manager Reyna Flynn and Senior Café Manager Bryn Tustin delivered 500 plus hampers to vendors all over greater Sydney and metropolitan areas.

Paul said it was a great collaboration with planning commencing weeks in advance.

“Once we identified what we wanted to include in the hampers, we had a look at what we could go out and purchase ourselves,” he said.

“Hampers included a variety of goods including personal care items, non-perishable food products and chocolate gift bags.

“Paula Nicolas from St Merkorious was wonderful in sourcing one third of all products through various donations, so that was really helpful in the weeks leading up.”

For Paul, the most rewarding of the deliveries was to David’s Place, an inner-city community space for Sydney’s homeless and marginalised to gather for social connection.

“It’s very humbling to see the people we’re helping firsthand and was amazing to see community gatherings resume once again,” he said.

“I ended up staying for a while to chat and spend some time with those at David’s Place, everyone was really lovely and appreciative of the hampers.

“Even one of the older gentlemen used all his energy to help me unload the car.

“It really is a great time of year; Street Feast is one of those events we’ve obviously done a few times in different ways now but it’s always a rewarding experience.”

Throughout a significant part of last year and for this year’s four-month lockdown, Kick Start ran a seven-day meal delivery service to assist those left isolated and vulnerable.

“We’ve had a lot of practice packing bags and delivering meals”, Paul added.

“After our experience over the last couple of years coordinating the meal share program, we knew what needed to be done and got on with the job.”

It was an impressive effort from the whole team pulling together, obviously not just the Kick Start trainees but the management team as well.”

Walkathon raises thousands to support domestic violence survivors

Supporters, corporate and charity partners of the Parramatta Women’s Shelter (PWS) have raised over $38,000 to support women and children affected by domestic violence.

Walkathon raises thousands to support domestic violence survivors

Hosted by the Parramatta Cumberland Family and Domestic Violence Prevention Committee, (PCFDVPC) hundreds walked throughout the months of Sydney’s tough Covid-19 lockdown to reach the $30,000 fundraising goal.

One in three women will experience physical violence within their lifetime – a sad reality that organisations like the PCFDVPC and PWS work to prevent.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan congratulated both organisations and all who participated in the highly successful fundraiser.

“There was a concerning spike in the number of domestic and family violence incidents during COVID-19, so this initiative could not come at a better time,” he said.

“We are pleased to support PWS and to donate a total of $11,244, with the help of staff from PAYCE and Paynter Dixon.

“I am sure the funds will be put to good use, giving more women and children a chance to start a new life free of violence.”

Parramatta Women’s Shelter provide crisis accommodation and outreach support to women and children escaping domestic and family violence and homelessness.

PWS Co-Chairs Liz Scully and Caitlin Carpenter were thrilled by the community spirit and support which helped them surpass their original goal of $30,000.

“We are so grateful for the immense support and generosity from the local community and our sponsors, in helping us achieve our goal to support women and children in crisis particularly during such challenging times,” Ms Scully said.

“Violence against women and children is one of Australia’s greatest challenges and these funds will continue to help our families move forward in safe, affordable, longer- term housing as well as provide them with the care and services they may need,” Ms Carpenter added.

Tania Smith, the Shelter Manager at Parramatta Women’s Shelter also commended everyone who participated in the event.

“We have been overwhelmed by the community support for this fundraiser and are so thankful to the PCFDVPC and Cumberland Women’s Health Centre for their hard work and dedication,” she said.

“The funds will go a long way to allow us to continue the important work of keeping women and children safe.”

Choir back breaking down barriers after long winter recess

For Jonathan Marsden, the Sydney Street Choir is a big part of his life.

Choir member Jonathan Marsden says it was wonderful to re-unite with friends.

It is the link that keeps isolation at bay.

Singing in the choir is uplifting, and the camaraderie is critical to Jonathan’s quality of life and mental health.

COVID-19 has been particularly hard on the vulnerable in our community.

The smile on the faces of the choir members as they assembled for their first in-person rehearsal underlined how much it means to them.

“Covid has been tough,’’ Jonathan said.

“I was getting really worn out by the end of it.

“During the last two weeks, everyone was saying there is light at the end of the tunnel with the opening up.

“So, I just kept hanging on, keeping an idea that things would improve.’’

Jonathan is a much-loved member of the Sydney Street Choir, joining five years ago.

Jonathan caught up with other members via Zoom but said it was not the same.

He could see that some of his choir members were struggling with the isolation of the pandemic.

“There is a lot of people who don’t get the help they need immediately, and terrible things happen to them,’’ Jonathan said.

The PACYE Foundation funds a support worker who assists choir members who need assistance.

With COVID-19 lockdown restrictions eased, the choir was able to catch up for a rehearsal with a busy Christmas singing season ahead.

“It is wonderful to be back with everybody today,’’ Jonathan said.

“It is a bit funny, isn’t it when the world is shut down; it feels a bit strange when the doors are back open.

“It is all about reacquainting yourself with socializing.’’

Jonathan said the therapy of singing and the characters broke down barriers and isolation for members.

“What I have learnt with the choir is that it’s important to talk to everyone and not say no to anyone,’’ he said.

Meal Share deliveries a lifeline for Cristina during bleak Covid winter

Ermington resident Cristina Assuncao was working on the frontline of a supermarket during the long winter COVID-19 lockdown.

Meal Share recipient Cristina Assuncao with Kick Start Café Manager Benjamin Weinroth.

Taking her job seriously, she was determined to help elderly people get all they needed during the stressful days during the lockdown.

“It was a devastating time; there were people coming in who didn’t have the money to buy all the food they needed,’’ she said.

Cristina said it was tough to see older people struggling and living with fear and anxiety.

Working long days left her drained and exhausted.

With her ailing parents outside her lockdown area, she was isolated.

As the cold months dragged on, while caring for her beloved dogs, Cristina neglected her health, including meals.

It wasn’t long before isolation, concern for her unwell parents, a bout of pneumonia and a lack of nutrition was taking their toll on her health.

“I was literally going to work on empty, dragging myself back home not wanting to cook anymore because I was so drained,’’ Cristina said.

“I was just going downhill.’’

That’s when a friend stepped in and suggested that I reach out to the PAYCE Foundation-supported program Meal Share.

PAYCE Foundation established the COVID-19 seven-day meal delivery service through its social enterprise Kick Start to assist the vulnerable in the local area.

Kick Start operates a fleet of mobile food trailers on construction sites across Sydney, which feed hungry construction workers and provide on-the-job training for young people seeking a new career.

With the food deliveries, Cristina started to regain her strength.

She said the food was amazing, and the bi-weekly drop-off from the friendly Kick Start team and volunteers was something she looked forward to.

“We really needed a service like this – absolutely amazing work,’’ Cristina said.

“It was amazing to know that someone cared enough about me to feed me – I was like I am not alone.

“I was feeling thank God – there is a light at the end of the tunnel.’’

The long and winding road to a new life helping fellow refugees

It is hard to think of a more hazardous road than the one Sayed Musavie has navigated to make a new life in Australia helping people who are escaping persecution.

The long and winding road to a new life helping fellow refugees

Sayed’s journey to Australia began when he was just six years old after his family decided to flee Afghanistan in 1999.

They fled to Pakistan by road, but sadly Sayed’s father was not with them – he had been killed by the Taliban.

Sayed recalled that his father, a humble farmer, had travelled overseas to Iran to study and returned as an advocate for the education of young people, including girls.

It was this altruistic passion that cost him his life.

It is more than a little ironic that after 20 years of conflict, Afghanistan, now back under Taliban control, may again become one of the world’s most oppressive countries where women are deprived of fundamental rights and freedoms.

Sayed stayed in Pakistan until 2012 after crossing the border with his mother, siblings and uncle.

He decided to take the gamble on a new life and begin the journey to Australia by boat across the unforgiving and at times, treacherous open seas, including stops in Malaysia, Indonesia and finally the Australian territory of Christmas Island.

Sayed spent five months in three different detention centers before his application seeking asylum was processed.

“I was fortunate to have got through all my interviews and then I moved to Sydney,’’ he said.

Building a new life in Australia was also to prove almost as testing as his around the world arrival.

“I tried to find a job, but it was very hard – I was coming from a different culture and very shy,’’ Sayed said.

He worked as a security guard, in grocery stores, and even did a stint Uber driving.

But he wanted to find a vocation with meaning, so he enrolled in a community services TAFE course and recently graduated with a degree in social work.

Last year, he landed his dream job as a Project Officer with the Work and Welcome program.

The PAYCE Foundation has provided funding for the role.

The House of Welcome-run program helps refugees and people seeking asylum find work.

Under the program, organisations, including some of Australia’s leading Catholic and Independent schools, provide funding for job placements via a workplace giving model.

The program also assists clients:

Create pathways to financial independence
Build confidence and self-esteem
Make connections and develop networks
Gain valuable experience in a supportive work environment
Find and transition to ongoing employment.

Sayed is relishing the opportunity to help people, just as he did, find their way to a better life.

“It is very exciting for me to get this opportunity,’’ Sayed said.

“When I was in the detention centre, I really loved how a person comes to you and says: ‘how can I help you?’

“That really touched me, and I wanted to do a similar job.”

He said the Work and Welcome program provides critical assistance as many of the refugees are not eligible for government assistance.

Many of the clients he assists have overseas qualifications, but they are not recognised in Australia.

“It becomes a big barrier to finding employment,” he said.

“The Work and Welcome program gives clients good local experience and a safe job with support.

“There is also assistance with further training and job opportunities and the job placement gives them good networks and people who could help them.’’

Sayed said he tells clients Australia is the land of opportunity.

“I say just never lose your hope I know it is hard and frustrating but good days are going to come,’’ he said.

“There is always light at the end of the tunnel.’’

Sayed is a testament to that.

For more information on the Work and Welcome program

PAYCE Foundation welcomes government domestic violence funding boost

The NSW Government’s announcement that it will spend almost $500 million on refuges for women and children fleeing domestic violence is a huge boost, according to PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan.

PAYCE Foundation welcomes government domestic violence funding boost

Under the funding package, an extra 75 women’s refuges will be built based on a self-care accommodation model.

Women and children will also have support to support services.

“Domestic Violence is one of society’s most pressing social issues and this government announcement will make a difference to many lives,’’ Mr Sullivan said.

“It is very difficult for women to leave a home, even under the threat of violence, when they do not have a safe place to go.’’

Mr Sullivan also congratulated Chair of Domestic Violence NSW Annabelle Daniel for her work advocating for increased funding.

“Annabelle has been a tireless advocate for assisting women rebuild their lives, both in her role with Domestic Violence NSW and as CEO of Women’s Community Shelters.’’

The PAYCE Foundation supports the WCS Parramatta Shelter, donating several unoccupied homes which are currently used to shelter women and their children fleeing domestic violence.

Kick Start team back homeless youth fundraiser Hard Hat Day

PAYCE Foundation social enterprise Kick Start has thrown its support behind the Property Industry Foundation’s Homeless Youth Fundraiser, Hard Hat Day, donating a day’s takings.

Kick Start team back homeless youth fundraiser Hard Hat Day

The $2000 raised was matched by the PAYCE Foundation, while Kick Start corporate partners Charter Hall and Frasers Property Industrial & Winten Property Group donated $2000 and $1000 for a total of $7000.

Hard Hat Day is a major fundraiser for the Property Industry Foundation that builds accommodation for homeless youth.

Every night there are 44,000 young Australians left without a safe and secure place to sleep.

Kick Start operates a fleet of mobile food trailers across Sydney which not only feed hungry workers, but also give youth an opportunity to gain experience and qualifications in hospitality.

Both Charter Hall and Frasers Property Industrial & Winten Property Group are Kick Start partners with food trailers located on their sites.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said it was a great team fundraising effort.

“Now more than ever young people need support and they all deserve to have a roof over their head and the opportunity to live a fulfilling life,’’ he said.

“I would like thank the Kick Start team, and Charter Hall and Frasers Property Industrial & Winten Property Group for their assistance in raising funds,’’ he said.

“They are wonderful corporate partners who make a significant contribution to the community.’’

Staff hit the pavement to fund raise for women in crisis

PAYCE is stepping up to raise funds for the Parramatta Women’s Shelter (PWS) which is facing increased demand for its domestic violence services following the long COVID-19 lockdown.

Staff hit the pavement to fund raise for women in crisis

To meet that need, PWS is holding a Virtual Walk-a-thon, with PAYCE staff already clocking up the kilometres and raising an impressive $6000.

The PAYCE Foundation has pledged to match the staff fund raising effort.

PWS opened its doors in December 2019, with the support of the PAYCE Foundation which donated the use of five homes.

One in two women fleeing domestic violence are turned away every night in Australia.

PAYCE Foundation’s Maddy James said: ‘’Lockdown has made me appreciate how important it is to have a safe place to live.

‘’PWS’ virtual Walk-a-thon allowed us to rally the troops from the PAYCE and Paynter Dixon group and come together to help vulnerable women and children in crisis.

“Tania Smith and all the staff at the shelter do such fantastic work in helping get families back on their feet and find their place within the community, and we are just proud to be able to support it.”

Paul Borghetti, who manages PAYCE Foundation social enterprise Kick Start, jumped at the opportunity to raise funds for PWS.

“I decided to participate as PWS offer such a crucial service and I wanted to support the great work they do in this space.

“With more and more people being impacted by the COVID pandemic and lockdowns, now more than ever I feel it is our duty to support the community any way we can.”

PAYCE team member Jessica Dowling said it had been refreshing to get outdoors and walk for a good cause.

‘’I decided to participate in the PWS Virtual Walk-a-thon to not only show my support to women and children in need, but to be able to provide help from afar has been rewarding and allows me to share compassion in a different kind of way.’’

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan said PWS was doing critical work assisting women and children build a new life free from domestic violence.

“It has been a wonderful response from PAYCE and I would encourage everyone to join the Walk-a-thon and make a difference.’’

For more information on joining the Walk-a-thon

Paynter Dixon team pitches in to help COVID vulnerable

Paynter Dixon staff have answered the call to help deliver meals to some of Sydney’s most vulnerable residents struggling with life in lockdown.

Paynter Dixon volunteer Peter Cavallaro with Kick Start Trainees Amelia Sinani and Silvana King preparing for a delivery run.

The Melrose Park Meal Share service has delivered more than 10,000 meals to residents since mid-July, including the elderly, those in isolation, key workers, people who have lost their jobs, families struggling financially and those with a disability.

The meal service, including food preparation and delivery management, is run by the PAYCE Foundation’s social enterprise Kick Start, which provides hospitality training for young people.

With so many meals to deliver, Paynter Dixon offered to assist its philanthropic partner, the PAYCE Foundation, and the Kick Start team transport the food to homes.

Paynter Dixon Volunteer Peter Cavallaro said the heartfelt appreciation from Meal Share recipients was overwhelming.

“I had 14 deliveries assigned to me, which included the elderly living at home with no one to care for them,’’ Peter said.

“There were those in the community with a disability or less mobile and unable to move around freely.

“And then there was the young parents looking after little children, perhaps feeling the financial hardship of COVID-19 lockdowns, unable to work and provide the most essential of living requirements, like putting food on the table.’’

Peter said the wonderful and dedicated staff behind Kick Start deserved praise for delivering meals week on week.

‘’I also commend the PAYCE Foundation for their generosity,’’ he said.

‘’This is a thoughtful and caring initiative for the vulnerable members of the Melrose Park community.’’

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan thanked the Paynter Dixon volunteers for their assistance.

“The Meal Share service is a major logistical exercise, and volunteers, like the team from Paynter Dixon, ensure the meals are delivered on time to people who need assistance,’’ Mr Sullivan said.

“Volunteers can be satisfied they are making a real difference to people struggling to cope during this long COVID-19 lockdown.’’

New bus to keep church community connected

The St George Maronite Catholic Church at Thornleigh has an enviable record of keeping its parishioners, including the vulnerable connected.

Celebrating the handover of the minibus, Parishioner Anthony Sukari, PAYCE Foundation Director Will Morgan, Monsignor Shora Maree and Father Claude Rizk.

And when the long COVID-19 winter restrictions lift, they will be able to assist more parish members stay in touch.

The PAYCE Foundation has donated a new minibus to the Church.

Monsignor Shora Maree said the minibus would be a big boost for the Church’s operations, particularly elderly parishioners.

“We will be able to pick up parishioners, particularly the elderly and bring them here for events and take them on little trips around Sydney,’’ he said.

Monsignor Shora said reconnecting after the COVID-19 lockdown would be critical for the elderly.

‘’A lot of people have a little bit more fear and worry and have been stuck in that isolation, the minibus will be great.’’

“We really appreciate the support of the PAYCE Foundation.’’

PAYCE Foundation Director Will Morgan said the St George Catholic Maronite Church played a critical role in supporting its parish and the wider community.

“The Foundation is pleased to support the continuation of keeping parishioners connected and supporting vulnerable, less mobile members of the community.’’