STREAT needs You

Winter is definitely in town. The last few days have been really cold from the rain and the strong gusty winds.

I love snuggling under the donna with the heater on. I feel very fortunate. These are simple pleasures in life but not everyone in Melbourne is as fortunate. To have a proper donna and heater is luxury to many of the homeless people. Have you wondered where do they sleep on cold winter nights that we are currently experiencing? Do they have hot soups to warm their bellies? Who do they turn to when they need to hug to make these cold nights a little more bearable?

Projects and social enterprises like STREAT (website) are here to help homeless kids find their feet again. It means a lot to these kids that they earn their keep, having the ability to look after themselves and most importantly, having a sense of security.

STREAT food cart

Currently, there are 8 of these kids that are undergoing a Cert II hospitality (6 months course) at the William AngIiss Institute. They are also given the opportunity to work in STREAT carts to gain and clock up hours for work experience as part of the course structure. Once they graduate, STREAT will help to place these kids in the industry.

Biodegradeable cutlery

In order to keep this enterprise sustainable, support from the community is required. There are several ways to support this great cause. One of the ways is to patronise the STREAT food carts. For those that are working in Melbourne CBD, instead of getting lunch from your usual spot, take a short walk or tram ride down to Federation Square to grab some yummy seasonal street food.  There are 2 STREAT carts are directly opposite the St. Paul’s Cathedral and next to Melbourne Visitor Centre.

I had a cup of winter vegetable soup! It was delicious. And it was only $5. And for $10, you could have hearty soup and delicious wrap. The menu changes but the price sticks. It’s really good value. Pick up a STREAT card while you’re there. Collect 10 stamps and a meal will go to a homeless person.

By the way, did I mention that most of the produce and ingredients used are organic and sourced locally? And when you’re there, check out the chillies and the herbs that are planted by the CEO herself!

Winter vegetable soup

If you aren’t in the Melbourne CBD area, you can always support by getting some fair-trade coffee, buy a STOP T-shirt or make a donation. And click here to find other ways that you can get involve in this project. And also please spread the word about STREAT. I’ll love to hear from you and your thoughts about this issue.

Also please check out what fellow food blogger,  Anthea from What’s for Tea had to say about STREAT.

Jeroxie was a guest of STREAT and is very happy to pay for her own meal.

Is there a social enterprise in your area? How do they promote their cause?