The local volunteer organisation Bruns Brekkie is set up to provide breakfast for around 30 hungry people two days a week.
Originally it was started by Byron’s Liberation Larder, who still provide them with frozen meals and fresh fruit every week, but they now operate under their own auspices.
Bruns Brekkie coordinator John Dale told The Echo that, ‘It’s been going for years. About seven years ago I rode past on my bike and saw the activity one morning, stopped to enquire and started volunteering.’
A low-key breakfast
‘It’s pretty low-key: we make breakfast toasties, tea and coffee for anyone who shows up (8–9am Tuesday and Friday) and we give the frozen meals and fruit and bread for people to take away with them.
‘We collect surplus bread and sandwiches from our friends at the Bruns Bakery and Sunday Sustainable Bakery in Ocean Shores and we use the funds we raise to top up if those guys have had a busy day and sold out.
‘Orange Sky come on Friday with their showers and washing machines so people can get a shower and their laundry done,’ he explained.
‘It’s a nice thing – friendly and happy. We’re mostly there to do something gentle and kind for some people who might not be having much fun at the moment.’
New home
Bruns Brekkie has been operating out of the Bruns Surf Club’s Nippers canteen but they’re demolishing it to build the new surf club so they were about to become homeless like their guests. Thanks to Father David of the Catholic Church they now have a new place to serve Bruns Brekkie at 50 Mullumbimbi St, Brunswick Heads starting on October 15 for the next year or so.
‘The church has been great. I approached a lot of organisations that we thought might suit and the church has been really positive, they said they were happy to have us. They are giving us keys and access to water and electricity. It’s been a lovely experience,’ said John.
‘Orange Sky will be there on Fridays as well as mental health services, Byron Council’s Homeless Outreach team, some doctors. It’s kind of a support hub, if you like.’
If you need support, food, or have the time to volunteer to help people in need then head down to Bruns Brekkie and get involved.
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