This year, we proudly celebrate a significant milestone for the John Paul College Community Companion Food and Outreach Van: its 10th anniversary. For a decade, the van has been a vital resource in the Frankston community, offering support and connection to those in need. As we mark this important occasion, we take a moment to reflect on the van’s impact and the journey that has brought us here.
Throughout 2013, John Paul College students rallied together to raise $13,000 to purchase a food trailer with the goal of directly providing essential items to community members in Frankston. This trailer became known as the Community Companion Food and Outreach Van and was launched in 2014 after students raised a further $5,000 to stock the van and prepare it for use.
The van and what we do have really evolved over the past 10 years. We started with a weekly service, and now we operate twice a week. We've seen an increase in donations and have formed valuable partnerships with Foodbank and local businesses to provide fresh food and toiletries.”
Over the past decade, the van has become an integral part of the Frankston community. Its role extends far beyond distributing food and essentials; it reflects our Catholic commitment to social justice. Through our Religious Education programs, students are empowered to participate in meaningful social justice initiatives, with the van serving as a powerful symbol of these efforts. The van not only provides material support but also fosters personal connections among staff, students, and the community. These interactions encourage empathy and understanding, helping students appreciate our shared humanity despite differences.
It’s remarkable that the Community Companion has continued to serve the community over the ten years it’s been in existence. It shows the commitment of our school to Catholic social teaching – teaching about the way as a society we support the most vulnerable, we support the most needy, and we look to our own resources to share with others.
The Community Companion Food and Outreach Van embodies compassion, unity, and a spirit of service, showcasing our unwavering commitment to supporting marginalised individuals in our community. Our volunteer base has grown over the past 10 years to now include our College’s feeder primary schools as well as families from John Paul College. Our dedicated volunteers play a vital role in providing food and essential resources while also creating a safe and welcoming space where everyone feels valued and respected. Through their efforts, volunteers experience a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing they are making a significant difference in the lives of others.
I cherish the moments I get to spend with all different types of people from all different backgrounds. I really enjoy having those meaningful conversations and being able to form connections with people.
The impact of the Community Companion Food and Outreach Van over the past 10 years is also evident in the numbers. The van has served the Frankston community on more than 500 evenings, directly providing essential items such as food (including more than 16,000 toasties) and clothing to community members. This service has been supported by a team of more than 1,300 students and more than 13,000 community members, all dedicated volunteers who have given countless hours to ensure that the van continues to meet the needs of the community.
In addition to these numbers, the van has been a vital source of support and connection, reflecting the power of community involvement and compassion. It’s true measure of success can be seen in the experiences shared by those who have benefited from its services.
The van isn’t just about the items you receive; it’s about knowing there’s someone who cares.
This sentiment captures the essence of what the Community Companion Food and Outreach Van represents - more than just a service, it’s a source of emotional and practical support.
To celebrate this milestone, the College recently hosted a morning tea, bringing together past and present staff, and College Alumni. We welcomed former staff members John Riddle and Paul Owsianka, along with Alumni Ashleigh Baxter, who each played key roles in the early development of the van. Attendees had the opportunity to watch the 10-year commemorative anniversary video, celebrating the incredible achievements of the van over the past decade. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the van’s achievements and a moment to express gratitude to all who have contributed to its success. It also provided an opportunity to look forward and continue building on the strong foundation of support and compassion that the van represents.
As we commemorate this 10-year anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to social justice and anticipate many more years of outreach and community spirit through the Community Companion Food and Outreach Van. We extend warm thanks to all who have been involved in the van’s 10-year journey and look forward to continuing our mission of compassion and making a difference in the Frankston community.