Monday 5th February
Report written by Kash
It was nearly six when Sevan and Kash entered the Salvation Army Hall in West Ealing, just to see that the doors were still closed to the clients, who waited patiently outside in the queues.
Steph and Shami were about to finish their shift. They explained to the second shift GoodGymers that the Soup Kitchen was not yet open as the hot meals were still being cooked. The chefs were running low on ingredients but used their magic to produce vegetable curry with chickpeas as a base. The takeaway opening time was delayed, so GoodGymers busied themselves with wrapping single-use forks in napkins.
When the doors eventually opened, Sevan wore a rather cosy, big hi-viz and stood outside on the crowd control. Kash was assigned for the first time to the food takeaway, alongside Emma, and enjoyed it, despite the chilly wind blowing right into the hall. It was still warmer at the entrance compared to when Sevan stood. After the first, big wave of clients, he was happy to come inside and tackle the cupboard of doom. He was particularly proud of his method of stacking.
The Soup Kitchen ran out of grocery bags shortly before all the clients who wanted to claim them were served. Instead, a crate of fruits appeared, with kiwis, mangos, tangerines and miniature apples, apparently very tasty. Sevan and Kash stayed until the end of the shift. Emma offered them to help themselves to the baby apples and other perishables, so the GoodGymers went home with pockets full of fruit and even chocolate!
Ealing Soup Kitchen is a registered charity set up to help the vulnerable and homeless in the area. Nine local churches support our faith-based Soup Kitchen, which has been running since 1973.
See moreEaling
Do good, get fit and have a cleaner borough