Tom Bowyer
Tom Bowyer, a dedicated volunteer at Christchurch Cathedral's community lunch program, shares his passion for service and the impact of youth involvement.
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"Giving back to the community has been one of the big things in my life. I've been always volunteering, always trying to help people. And this just sort of started in Iceland."
"It's seeing people come back and, you know, sit down and have a nice meal and they're talking with each other. They're sharing their stories. You know, sometimes they'll talk to us and there's one guy who every week when we're closing up shop, he'll come over and have a natter about the nights to me, which is great."
"I think being, having that sense of volunteering, community volunteering instilled in you when you're young age. I'm a bit biased because I had it. And so I remember when I was in high school, I'd come home from school every Monday and my mum and I would do a run of Aldi and just pick up huge bulk packages of food and cordial and stuff and then take it home and make it all up into little hampers and then drive it out to families doing it rough in the community."
"I think being, having that sense of volunteering, community volunteering instilled in you when you're young age. I'm a bit biased because I had it. And so I remember when I was in high school, I'd come home from school every Monday and my mum and I would do a run of Aldi and just pick up huge bulk packages of food and cordial and stuff and then take it home and make it all up into little hampers and then drive it out to families doing it rough in the community."
"From Mother's Encouragement to Community Champion: Tom Bowyer's Journey of Service"
In the heart of Newcastle, at Christchurch Cathedral, Tom Bowyer's story unfolds as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of community service. What began as a mother's nudge during the COVID-19 pandemic has blossomed into a passionate commitment to serving those in need and inspiring the next generation of volunteers.
Tom's journey into community service started with a simple directive from his mother, the Dean of Christchurch Cathedral. "The honest answer is my mum told me," Tom admits with a smile. "During COVID she, when everything was shut down and when radiuses were happening, she said, you need to go over there and do it." This initial push led to an unexpected love affair with community service that has now spanned six years.
The fortnightly community lunch program at Christchurch Cathedral, a 40-year-old initiative, serves as a beacon of hope for those "doing it rough" in the community. Tom's description of the atmosphere during these lunches paints a vivid picture of community in action. "It just feels so great. It's seeing people come back and, you know, sit down and have a nice meal and they're talking with each other. They're sharing their stories," he shares.
One of the most striking aspects of Tom's experience is the program's role in providing not just food, but a sense of safety and community. "We get people bringing their, some guests will bring their kids here," Tom notes. "And on one level, it's a bit heartbreaking because you don't want to see kids grow up with that sort of hardship. But another level, I sort of feel sort of a bit warm about it and go, we are that safe place."
The collaboration with Orange Sky has added a new dimension to the services provided. Tom enthusiastically describes this partnership as filling "a missing piece," allowing them to offer not just food, but also clean clothes and meaningful conversation. This holistic approach to service underscores the program's commitment to restoring dignity to those they serve.
Perhaps one of the most impactful aspects of the program is its focus on youth engagement. Through partnerships with Newcastle Grammar School and the Newcastle Wanderers Rugby Club, young people are given the opportunity to experience the rewards of community service firsthand. Tom sees this as crucial in developing a sense of social justice in the next generation. "I think being, having that sense of volunteering, community volunteering instilled in you when you're young age," he reflects, drawing on his own experiences as a high school student volunteering with his mother.
Tom's passion for service is evident in his commitment to showing up, regardless of the number of volunteers available. "We have however many kids we have. We've done it with two kids. We've done it with 20 kids," he explains, highlighting the program's resilience and dedication.
As Tom continues to serve and inspire others through his work at Christchurch Cathedral, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have when they choose to give back to their community. His journey from a reluctant volunteer to a passionate advocate for community service illustrates the transformative power of stepping out of one's comfort zone to help others.
In a world that often feels disconnected, Tom Bowyer and the community lunch program at Christchurch Cathedral stand as beacons of hope, reminding us of the profound impact that simple acts of kindness and service can have on both individuals and communities. As Tom so eloquently puts it, "If people like us don't do it, then no one else will." It's a call to action that resonates far beyond the walls of Christchurch Cathedral, challenging us all to find our own ways to give back and make a difference in our communities.
