The partnership between the Westlake United Church Trust and the Tokai Food Lovers Market store came through an introduction from another of our CSI partners. The collaboration was the beginning and that is the word that best describes this incredible organisation. The WUCT is truly embedded in this community and provides much support through its various programs. This includes a Home Based Care program, assisting the bedridden and ailing, a community advice centre and trauma counselling services. Skills development programs such as the Inspiring Communiversity Project and Sewing Circle are also supported here. The donation of fresh fruit and veg from the Tokai store goes directly to the Emmanuel Educare centre, where over 180 children are taught and fed each day.
Richard Saner, who heads up the team at WUCT says, “Thanks for the amazing support and blessing that you have given the community here at Westlake via your Tokai store. Your donation ends up in the tummies of the 75 orphans and vulnerable children who visit us here for lunch, as well as the children of Emmanuel. Keep up the good work at FLM and once again thanks and bless you all for your kindness and generosity in allowing us the opportunity to try and help where we all can.
Raquel van Graan, store manager of Tokai, is more than happy to be associated with Richard and the WUCT. “We have been supporting this wonderful organisation for almost 2 years now. It’s great to know that in our small way, we are having a positive impact on communities that are not as blessed as we are. Organisations such as WUCT are doing amazing work and changing lives.”
If you would like to see the amazing work that they do for yourself, you can pop into the centre. You can also support by ordering custom sewing products from their craft workshop, or assist with fundraising events through volunteering, sponsoring or just attending!
