Steph Thornborrow and her team of volunteers were given a wonderful surprise last Wednesday as they toiled away at the St Philips Anglican Church hall producing meals for those in need in our community.

The volunteers have been hard at work since early March, ensuring that the extra demand placed on the PICAL Pantry during Covid times can be met, and that its freezers are always well stocked.

It was therefore a very unexpected but pleasant surprise when Katie Lamaro, who runs the Island Pantry at Ventnor, arrived laden with gourmet hampers for Steph and her regular helpers, to say thank you to them all.

The volunteers turn out on a weekly basis to prepare nutritious meals from produce donated by individuals and local businesses in the community. Steph works out weekly recipes based on the donations that have come into PICAL, shops for additional ingredients to complement these, and the team get to work every Wednesday.

To date 7079 nutritious meals have been made since February, and demand shows no sign of abating.

The Phillip Island Adventure Resort has contributed substantially to this figure, and Cape Kitchen has helped out as well.

Making the presentation last Wednesday, Katie said she was “blown away by the magnitude of what this small and dedicated group were doing,” when she became aware of it, and wanted to do something to show how much their work was appreciated.

She decided to enlist the support of a number of island fine food and produce businesses, to put together 14 beautiful hampers full of delicious treats, and the odd pampering product or two.

Katie, on behalf of all of the businesses involved, warmly thanked Steph and her volunteers for what they do.

“I had no idea how huge this was. It is really important work in these times, and I think it will become more important in the months ahead.”

Katie also hopes to inspire other community members to support the great work being carried out by this group of volunteers.

Produce from local gardens, goods and stock from businesses, and cash donations, are all very acceptable.

The surprise presentation was appreciated by the volunteers.

“It’s lovely to be recognised, but very unexpected,” they said.

“Without these volunteers, we could not do what we do,” said Steph, a long-time volunteer herself.

On behalf of them all, she thanked the following businesses who contributed to the hampers.

They are The Pantry Phillip Island, Pino’s Trattoria, Phillip Island Winery, Seaside Providor, Mando Café and Tapas, Island Cookie Box, The Silverleaves Store, G’day Tiger, The Store Phillip Island, Island Primary produce, Ocean Reach Brewing, Tyde Boutique, Island Food Store and The Paint Place.

If you or your business would like to donate funds or packaged staple food items to this vital and ongoing cause helping those experiencing food security, please contact PICAL centre manager Greg Thompson on 0400 655 540 or PICAL casserole co-ordinator Steph Thornborrow on 0421 032 035.

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