Scores of Ararat residents have come together at a local church for a community dinner following the installation of a brand-new range hood, made possible with support from Squadron Energy.
The range hood was installed at the Life Links Church, where the Ararat Emergency Relief Committee (AERC) runs a volunteer program to feed locals in need with freshly cooked meals.
Squadron Energy’s Ballyrogan Wind Farm backed the upgrade to the church kitchen after the Ararat Emergency Relief Committee made a grant submission.
On Tuesday night, a community dinner was held at the church from 6pm, with 40 locals in attendance.
The church’s pastor, Dave Tolputt, gave a speech at the event, thanking Squadron Energy for their support.
“This range hood might not seem like a big thing, but it’ll open doors,” Mr Tolputt said.
“It’ll mean we can do more dinners, help more people and do more.”
This much-needed upgrade will enable volunteers to cook more food safely and comfortably as the original kitchen became too hot and steamy when meals were prepared.
It also means the charity’s program can run meals more frequently.
The AERC is aiming to encourage community members experiencing food insecurity to cook their own healthy meals as well.
Ballyrogan Wind Farm Project Developer Tom Beischer said the team were pleased to support community-led initiatives that deliver practical outcomes for people in need.
“We’re proud to support the AERC and the volunteers who provide community-focused charitable efforts that help those in need,” Mr Beischer said.
“This sponsorship is not just supporting the purchase of new kitchen equipment, but helping the AERC continue providing food to those in need in a practical way.
“It’s a strong example of the kind of locally driven initiative we aim to back through our community sponsorships.”
Fresh food is being provided to the church through Foodbank.