Suzanne Evans
Suzanne shares her decade-long journey serving meals to the homeless at Christchurch Cathedral, highlighting community service, youth involvement.
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"It's very important to be with the young people because, number one, it's a learning experience because some of them wouldn't realise that people aren't as fortunate as they are. And secondly, they're the future carers."
"It's showing them that people are caring for them and are concerned about their needs, all their needs. And, of course, what happens, as I'm sure you know, that they actually have the meal while their laundry's being done."
"Well, there's a need, right? But it's also a very rewarding job too because you see the pleasure on their face when they come. And not only, of course, are we giving them the food, but it's also providing a social activity for them too that they can get together."
"Nourishing Bodies and Souls: Suzanne's Decade of Service at Christchurch Cathedral"
In the heart of Christchurch Cathedral, a remarkable story of compassion and community service unfolds through the words of Suzanne, a dedicated volunteer who has been feeding the homeless and underprivileged for a decade. Her journey, rooted in family tradition and a deep sense of social responsibility, offers profound insights into the power of volunteerism and the importance of restoring dignity to those in need.
Suzanne's involvement in this vital community service stems from a rich family history of religious service. "Both my grandparents were priests," she explains, "and I sort of grew up knowing that people came, you know, to the churches to be looked after and when they were in need." This background, coupled with her education at the local grammar school, laid the foundation for her commitment to serving others.
The bi-weekly meal service at Christchurch Cathedral's Horbury Hunt Hall is more than just about providing food. As Suzanne points out, "There's a need, right? But it's also a very rewarding job too because you see the pleasure on their face when they come. And not only, of course, are we giving them the food, but it's also providing a social activity for them too that they can get together." This dual purpose of nourishing both body and soul underscores the profound impact of their work.
The diversity of those served is striking. From homeless individuals sleeping in the cathedral doorways to impoverished families, lonely individuals seeking connection, and those recently released from jail or rehabilitation, the meal service caters to a wide spectrum of community needs. This inclusivity reflects the program's commitment to serving all who are in need, regardless of their circumstances.
A unique aspect of the program is the involvement of grammar school students in serving meals and washing up. Suzanne sees this as a crucial learning experience: "It's very important to be with the young people because, number one, it's a learning experience because some of them wouldn't realise that people aren't as fortunate as they are. And secondly, they're the future carers." This intergenerational approach not only provides practical help but also cultivates empathy and social responsibility in the younger generation.
The partnership with Orange Sky adds another dimension to the service provided. Suzanne enthusiastically endorses this collaboration: "It's invaluable because it's giving them the dignity that they can actually, you know, have clean clothes, et cetera." The synergy between providing a meal and offering laundry services exemplifies a holistic approach to meeting the needs of those experiencing homelessness or hardship.
The longevity and sustainability of the program are impressive, with this year marking its 40th anniversary. Suzanne attributes this success to the dedicated team of volunteers and the roster system they've implemented. "Everything's completely voluntary," she explains. "We have people on the roster. Now, some of them, for example, are on dessert, so they turned up... the cheesecakes. And some were on the roast part, so they might have had chicken or beef or lamb." This division of responsibilities ensures the smooth running of the service without incurring costs for the parish.
While the primary focus is on providing meals and fostering social connections, Suzanne and her team are also attuned to other needs their guests might have. They maintain resources for emergency housing and can refer individuals to the Samaritans for additional support, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to community care.
Suzanne's story is a powerful testament to the impact of sustained community service. Her decade-long commitment, rooted in personal history and fueled by compassion, has touched countless lives. As she continues to serve alongside her team of volunteers, Suzanne embodies the spirit of community care, showing how simple acts of kindness can restore dignity, foster connections, and make a lasting difference in people's lives.
