Love Thy Neighbour – Kelly’s Story

“I wasn’t going to eat for three or four days if I didn’t find help.”

When Kelly’s grandparents were diagnosed with cancer, she immediately moved to Wauchope and took over as carer for her 74-year-old uncle, Bob, who lives with Down syndrome. But the financial strain was huge. Still locked into her previous lease, Kelly was paying rent for two homes. On the disability pension herself due to a functional urological disorder, the financial strain was huge. Soon, the cupboards were empty. The laundry liquid was gone. The toiletries had run out.

“I’d been using shampoo to wash my clothes and had even run out of that,” says Kelly.

That’s when her neighbour suggested she attend the ADRA Community Connect Wauchope “SouperVan” weekly service to receive support. SouperVan began as a soup and bun outreach ministry of Wauchope Seventh-day Adventist Church, and since joining with ADRA has expanded its services.

“My next-door neighbour invited us to attend the following week and gave me encouragement that it was for everybody to attend and receive help,” says Kelly. “So, with a lot of nerve, I attended.”

Kelly experiences anxiety which makes leaving the house a struggle. But she desperately needed help. And so, she attended SouperVan. Within moments, she was made to feel at home.

“I was made to feel so extremely welcome,” Kelly says. “I was given a hug to be reassured with my anxiety that it’s okay. I’m welcome, and I’m safe there.”

Every Wednesday night, SouperVan provides up to 120 meals of hot soup and buns to the local community. It also provides essentials to help people through the week.

“SouperVan is like a mobile food pantry,” says Troy Eggleton, the volunteer manager for ADRA Community Connect Wauchope. “We go out into the community park and we serve hot soup and buns out of that food trailer. But we also set up tables where we put our produce and groceries (as well as) blankets and beanies and all sorts of things that help to provide for those who are really struggling in this cost-of-living crisis.”

Troy expressed that, in every moment in SouperVan’s ministry where they identified a need, God provided.

“We are so blessed to serve a God who understands our needs and desires and is willing to provide for us as we serve our local community,” he says. “We don’t always have washing liquid or washing powder. But on that particular evening we had washing liquid that someone had donated. Kelly was able to take that home and wash her clothes.”

Kelly says, “We were going to be absolutely starving. So knowing that I could go there and grab some fresh vegetables and some fresh bread to go home and feed us with for the next 3 or 4 days, it got us through. To be able to go to bed that night with a full belly and fresh, clean linen and clean clothes was absolutely amazing.”

After attending the SouperVan service, Kelly was so moved by the support that she had received that she found the email address for the church pastor and thanked him. Kelly realised that it would be a safe space for Bob to enjoy some social time each week.

“Because I had such a beautiful experience, and especially with no judgement, I thought that it would be so good for my great uncle who has lived with Down syndrome and is 74 years old,” Kelly says. “He could come with me and have a night out.”

Kelly was right. SouperVan created a safe community space for Bob to socialise. Now, attending SouperVan has become part of their weekly routine.

“Since then, we look forward to every Wednesday night. Now on a Wednesday, he’s counting down the hours until it’s soup night. We know we’re safe, so we just relax and enjoy everyone’s company.”

The support Kelly received from SouperVan has not only helped to relieve her financial stress, but it has helped to ease some of the burden of her chronic illness.

“I have anxiety and depression, and I’ve also got called what’s called a functional urological disorder,” Kelly says. “So if I’m extremely stressed or unwell, my body will have complete tick-spasms. And leaving me even to the point where I can’t walk at times. So even that one night of soup where I don’t have to cook a meal for others is such good respite. Because there’s times where I can’t even cook for myself because of my illnesses.

“So ADRA’s help has just been absolutely amazing with knowing you can call for help at any time and no judgement and with warmth and welcoming.

“Beautiful people from ADRA and ADRA services helped us get back on our feet. Thank you.”

For Aussies already doing it tough, it doesn’t take much to push them over the edge, leaving them hungry and isolated. Your support today can help Aussies in need with food, basic needs, and a supportive community to help them get back on their feet. Love Thy Neighbour, help Aussies in need! Give today at adra.org.au/donate.