The team from Safety Australia Group recently had the opportunity to spend the day at the Exodus Foundation in Ashfield.

It was a feel good day as we worked hard to put together much needed food parcels as well as having the opportunity to chat with some of the characters that were at the Loaves and Fishes Restaurant that day.

The day was full of laughs as well as a time of reflection for many of us. Being able to give back and help make a difference to someone’s life gave us a strong sense of community and purpose.

The Exodus Foundation is a registered charity that combats disadvantage in its many forms – by providing food and social health and wellbeing services without discrimination to those who need it most.

It is nearly 30 years since Rev Bill Crews was ordained as minister of the Ashfield Uniting Church in Sydney’s inner-west.

In 1986 he saw a desperate need for a support service for homeless and at-risk people in the Inner-West of Sydney, so Bill opened the doors to the Church to offer shelter and what food was available.

This was also the year that they put on their first ever Christmas event, which was a simple Christmas dinner for a handful of disadvantaged teenagers.

In 1989 the Exodus Foundation was founded by Bill and team of dedicated volunteers as a place where homeless and abandoned youth could seek assistance and refuge.

1989 also saw the establishment of the Loaves and Fishes Free Restaurant, which was brought about through the close friendship of Bill Crews, John Singleton and a lucky bet.

In 2009, a night food van was added to provide hot meals to the homeless who live in Sydney’s CBD.

In 2011, a stationary food van service based in Marrickville was added, creating a free meal service for Sydney’s Inner West’s growing homeless population.

Today The Exodus Foundation is one of Sydney’s largest frontline charities, serving 1,200 meals to the needy every day. The Foundation also operates a free dental and medical clinic, provides help and support services such as social workers, chaplaincy, counselling, and food parcel assistance.

Every year, more than 1000 dedicated individuals, schools, community groups and organisations donate their time and expertise to Exodus, making a real difference to the lives of the homeless and at-risk in the community.

The 2015 Christmas Appeal is running again and there are many ways you can get involved in this worthwhile charity.

Find out more information on their website: https://www.exodusfoundation.org.au