St Canice’s Parish Kitchen expands services with PAYCE Foundation Support

In the heart of Sydney, nestled amongst blooming jacarandas near Kings Cross, St Canice’s Jesuit parish has been serving more than just meals – it’s been dishing out hope, one plate at a time, for over three decades.

What began as a modest Sunday community meal in the late 1980s has flourished into a vital daily service, providing more than 1,000 meals weekly to Sydney’s most vulnerable residents.

At the heart of this operation are the 300-plus volunteers who keep the kitchen running six days a week, making this corner of Sydney feel like home for those who need it most.

Now, with support from the PAYCE Foundation, St Canice’s Kitchen is set for a significant upgrade to expand its reach during Australia’s mounting cost-of-living crisis.

The PAYCE Foundation, as the supporting partner of St Canice’s Kitchen & Community Hub redevelopment, is assisting with the planning and design of this transformative project.

The upgrade will see the construction of a new kitchen facilities and the development of  a multi-purpose community hub, increasing its capacity to serve free meals to over 300 guests daily whilst integrating essential support services.

PAYCE Foundation Director Dominic Sullivan says the Kitchen has been a quiet achiever in Sydney’s homelessness sector, delivering vital services for over 35 years.

“PAYCE Foundation is proud to be involved in this project as the parish closely aligns with our values, particularly our focus on supporting sometimes-overlooked charities,” says Mr Sullivan.

“This redevelopment will enhance the space for the parish, volunteers and vulnerable people experiencing homelessness and social and economic exclusion.”

Beyond its renowned meal service, St Canice’s Kitchen’s evolution reflects a deeper understanding of community needs by offering access to showers and toilets, social services support and partnerships with Thread Together and St Vincents Health.

As St Canice’s Kitchen continues to adapt and grow, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of community spirit in addressing social challenges.

For more information about St Canice’s Kitchen or to volunteer, visit https://stcanicekitchen.org.au