Too often, some of us rely on volunteer services to make our area what it is today, without ourselves giving back. 

Expecting a volunteer-run organisation to always be there is something we should not take for granted. 

Without volunteers like Mrs Wicken and organisations like the soup kitchen, more people in our community would be worse off. 

Through Mrs Wickens’ involvement with the soup kitchen, others have been inspired to lend a helping hand. 

Neighbours, family, friends and anyone who has read or been told of Mrs Wicken’s reasons for volunteering should also be determined to make a difference.

Everyone can fit a time in their schedules to volunteer. 

Mrs Wicken’s compassion runs deep: she is overwhelmed knowing there are people who can’t afford to eat. 

If everyone shared her commitment and consideration, the Eurobodalla would be a better place. 

The soup kitchen was brought to life through one family’s misfortune. 

The McDermott family, founders of the kitchen, learnt what it was like to be in need after they lost everything in a house fire. 

After a year and a half of serving the community, the kitchen offers much more than food services. 

They distribute care packages, blankets, school lunches, swags and clothes. 

In a rich western society, people should not still be going hungry. 

All of the waste from cafés, restaurants and supermarkets could, and should, be put to good use and given to the homeless. 

When travelling through the United Kingdom, I was pleased to see several cafes in London offered un-sold pre-made meals to the homeless, to ensure they were at least fed. 

I know we don’t live in a city, but I do know how much food is wasted in our society on a daily basis. 

What we see as poor quality is five-star for someone who cannot afford fresh food. 

We need to keep the conversation about volunteering and giving back going and each do our part to help out and encourage others to do the same. 

You will get more out of volunteering than you put in.  

- EMILY BARTON