A bigger impact: C Care opens new facility

More than 150 prominent community members and political representatives celebrated the official opening of C Care’s new facility at 16 Pakington Street, St Kilda, on April 17.

From humble beginnings in Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson’s home kitchen, where just 25 people were served, C Care has grown over the past 13 years into a vital front-line organisation dedicated to supporting thousands of individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and social isolation.

Driven by a significant increase in demand, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, C Care now delivers a comprehensive range of personalised services tailored to the diverse needs of its recipients.The new premises mark a significant milestone in the organisation’s growth, enabling C Care to prepare and distribute more than 5000 meals each week to those facing hardship, both locally and across the broader community.

Politicians attended the opening including Josh Burns MP, Nina Taylor MP, David Southwick MP and Rachel Westaway MP.

On Sunday April 19, C Care welcomed the wider community for an open day, with more than 200 attendees touring the new facility. Families enjoyed a range of activities including face painting, cookie decorating and a community barbecue. All food was prepared on site by staff and volunteers in the new commercial kitchen facilities.

The Pakington Street facility was made possible entirely through the generosity of the local community, with all funds raised independently to bring the project to life.

C Care CEO Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson said the new facility represents both growth and a deepening of the organisation’s mission: “This space is more than a kitchen, it’s a place where dignity, care and community come together. What started as a small act of kindness in a home kitchen has grown into a vital service, and this new facility allows us to meet the increasing need while continuing to treat every person we support with respect and compassion.”

As C Care prepares for its upcoming annual Giving Day, the open days offered a glimpse into both the impact of its work and the growing need for ongoing support.

Chair Bruce Rosengarten said the campaign highlights the role everyone can play. “We’ve seen firsthand how powerful community support can be. This Giving Day is about showing people that even the smallest contribution can make a real difference, because when the community comes together, no one has to face hardship alone.”

C Care invites individuals, businesses and community groups to get involved, whether through donations, volunteering, corporate volunteer days or by purchasing meals and accessing C Care services.

To learn more or support the annual appeal, visit: givingday26.raiselysite.com