On Wednesday 11 March, three Year 11 Manton Boys Alexander Bruce (11/MA), Dominic Siu (11/MA) and Lewis Sourlos (11/MA) sacrificed any extra hour of sleep in their warm beds to be on breakfast duty at the Exodus Foundation’s Loaves and Fishes Free Restaurant in Ashfield. Accompanied by Teacher’s Aide Mrs Sarina Meoli, the boys emptied cream cartons and soup cans as guests of the Loaves and Fishes restaurant arrived.

Held at Ashfield Uniting Church, Loaves and Fishes Free Restaurant serves more than 400 disadvantaged and homeless individuals and families from Monday to Saturday between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. This term, many boys across all House groups have helped out at Breakfast duty as part of Service Learning.

Alexander Bruce said that the experience was humbling and has made him appreciate what he has, while also opening up his eyes to bigger issues within the community.

“Seeing people taking time out of their day to provide a service to those less fortunate than themselves, expecting nothing in return, really pushes you to do more. Perhaps the most respectable aspect is their willingness to help, their expressions of gratitude and the constant smiles they have on their faces! I was really glad to help out but, if anything, I am grateful for the opportunity to have helped such a selfless venture. I would be happy to go back there any time!” said Alexander.

Likewise for Dominic Sui, he said working at Exodus and chatting to the chef and volunteers gave him an insiders view of what it means to work in a commercial kitchen as well as how the foundation works to provide a healthy, nutritious meal to disadvantaged people from the area.

“Most importantly this experience allowed us to witness firsthand the selflessness and generosity of the social workers and gave us a sense of achievement knowing that we were giving back to the community,” he said.