One of my favourite things to do is cook for people. It’s my way of showing them that I care, that I value them and that they are important to me. Bringing people together for the purpose of community and nourishment is an ancient tradition which I feel is nestled deep in my DNA.
And I’m clearly not alone. I had a phone call yesterday with the parent of a 14-year-old who, after hearing our CEO speak at their school, is inspired to volunteer their time and talents to bake cakes for the guests across the full four months of the Winter Night Shelter.
I am one of those people with not a lot of time to give in the evenings and I am fortunate enough to be able to sleep quickly and deeply, leaving me a most unsuitable candidate for on-site volunteering, but I am able and more than happy to spend my Sundays cooking.
To feel connected with and give my time to the project, last year I took one of my Sundays and made two big trays of lasagne, which I dropped off at the shelter the next day for the staff and volunteers to reheat and serve to the guests.
As a relentless compliment hound, I selfishly awaited some feedback, which allowed me a moment to reflect on what a nutritious, home-cooked meal could mean for someone who had been sleeping rough.
We know what the diet of someone living on the streets looks like: it’s cheap fast food, meal deals or pot noodles. All certainly providing calories but not the broadest spectrum of nutrients.
I was happy to hear that not a scrap was left over and it filled my heart to know that I had provided a balanced meal, and more than that, everyone said it was delicious!
If you, like me, have cooking as your love language, providing a meal for the shelter is a most rewarding act of kindness. And let’s not forget 26 people will likely think that you’re an excellent cook!