How it all began
The Foundation has been feeding the homeless and needy at Christmas since 1989. In fact, it all started when Rev. Crews shared a plate of sandwiches with a small group of rough sleepers in his church.
Within a few years hundreds turn up for Christmas lunch. Now, over 2,000 hungry Sydneysiders enjoy a free, traditional Christmas Day lunch at The Rev. Bill Crews Foundation. It’s the biggest free Christmas lunch in the nation. The Christmas-goers will eat their way through over 400 kilos of ham and turkey, 680 kilos of chicken, 800 kilos of veggies and 40 litres of cranberry sauce. As if that wasn’t enough there will also be 4,000 mini puddings and cheesecakes, not to mention fairy floss as well!
Hundreds of dedicated volunteers lend a hand to ensure everyone gets fed and enjoys the day.
Christmas a luxury as cost of living bites
This year the cost of living crisis means the Foundation is expecting more people at Christmas than ever before. “Christmas is a luxury many Sydneysiders can’t afford. This year they face brutal choices, like paying the electricity bill or feeding the family; buying new school shoes for the kids or filling their Christmas stockings. Needless to say, my Foundation is a beacon of hope for these people at Christmas”, said Rev. Bill Crews.
High grocery prices are pushing record numbers of Sydneysiders into hunger, so the need extends beyond Christmas Day. The Foundation expects to provide in excess of 10,000 meals over the holiday and almost 54,000 meals during the month of December.
How to help
The Rev. Bill Crews Foundation still needs both cash and food donations to ensure it meets the growing need this Christmas.
People can donate to the Foundation’s Christmas Appeal. They can donate food including tinned tuna, spaghetti, soups and baked beans, as well as packet soups, instant noodles, long-life milk and bottled water. Christmas gifts for adults and children are also needed; these will be given to those in need on Christmas Day.
The are also volunteering opportunities. People can donate their time and expertise to work in our food service division, warehouse or administration.
More information is available on this website, or by calling (02) 8752 4600.
