Jules Mitry at Balinese Spice Magic hasn't let COVID-19 stop her helping Wollongong's homeless and hungry.
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Grateful for the opportunities she got when she was young Mrs Mitry wants others to have similar opportunities.
So she prepares meals weekly for charities to distribute to those in need, and hosts Mesangkepan dinners in the restaurant every few months to help organisations making a positive difference in the community.
Her next Mesangkepan dinner is planned for this Sunday from 4pm to 9pm. It is free to book and people can make a donation or pay-as-they-feel on the night.
All proceeds will go to Kind Hearts Illawarra which was formed in 2017 by volunteers who were previously involved with Street Beat in MacCabe Park where they are still providing an opportunity for the homeless and hungry to come and eat every Thursday between 5.30pm and 8pm at no cost.
Mrs Mitry said members of the community, including children, always volunteer at the Mesangkepan dinner and several businesses donate goods, services and money when she hosts Mesangkepan dinners at the restaurant.
She said she enjoys helping people by sharing her Balinese culture and cuisine. And decided to do a dinner for Kind Hearts Illawarra because of the amazing work she sees them do at MacCabe Park every Thursday night.
Mrs Mitry said all the takings on Sunday night goes directly to Kind Hearts Illawarra.
Stephanie MacLeod said all the volunteers involved in the charity were so grateful when Mrs Mitry contacted Kind Hearts saying she wanted to host a community dinner to help them help the homeless and hungry.
"We provide hot meals and hamper bags for everyone who comes along every Thursday night rain, hail or shine," Ms MacLeod said.
"We do get donations from OzHarvest so we can make up fresh food hampers.
"Which means homeless people are getting fresh food and vegetables every week from us. We also use it to make hot food, casseroles and stews.
"We also provide hygiene packs, blankets, jackets and sleeping bags. We help all year round. We don't stop."
Around five volunteers feed 50 to 60 people at MacCabe Park every Thursday night.
And the numbers have been growing since the start of COVID.
"When we get there a line has already formed along Burelli Street and we are always hoping we have enough food," Mrs MacLeod said.
"Sunday's dinner will help us with supplies.
"During the height of COVID we go donations but we also had to buy hand sanitiser, masks and that kind of thing to make enough COVID care packs for people on the street. We wanted to make sure they were protected.
"Money raised will also be used to buy other food supplies, tea, coffee, tissues and napkins.
"We are always spending money on those things as well as insurance to makes sure out volunteers are insured."
Kind Hearts Illawarra is about providing a non judgmental environment where those seeking assistance and or a friendly chat.
All the volunteers have other jobs and spend three days preparing for every Thursday night to ensure they have enough of everything they need to help the people they meet.
Among the Kind Hearts Illawarra volunteers is Mrs MacLeod's son Josh who was recently named Young Illawarra Volunteer of the Year.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
