Galway Simon Community is delighted to showcase a wonderful, new kitchen, recently installed in one of its Galway City accommodation services by Cash & Carry Kitchens. This kitchen is the first in the country under Cash & Carry Kitchens initiative called “Helping Homes”, a multi-year charity partnership with Simon Communities of Ireland.
Paul, a client of Galway Simon says, “The kitchen, well it’s the heartbeat of the house isn’t it? Everybody comes across each other’s paths in the kitchen you know…so like it’s nice to sit in there and have a chat and a cup of coffee. It’s a nice relaxing zone as well, whereas before it wasn’t as comfortable, it wasn’t really that type of space so you know it all worked out very well.
"I worked in the catering industry for years so I’d know my way around a kitchen, I know how practical a kitchen has to be… it’s not even that it’s a family kitchen, which it is… it’s also just a well-planned out kitchen and organised and easy to use.”
Commenting on the partnership, Alan Morris, Head of Marketing at Cash & Carry Kitchens, said they are thrilled to partner with Simon Communities of Ireland to address the issue of homelessness in our communities.
"By combining our resources and expertise, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by this pressing issue. We look forward to working closely with Simon Communities of Ireland to create positive change and support individuals and families experiencing homelessness," he said.
Peter Stapleton, a service manager with Galway Simon said this is a brilliant initiative by Cash & Carry Kitchens.
"We were delighted to be the first in the country to have a new kitchen installed. The kitchen we had in before was most definitely on its last legs so to get a new kitchen like this in place was truly transformational.
"As Paul says, the kitchen is the heart of the house and in this residence, we can have up to 16 clients staying at any one time, so it’s great to have a fully functional space for all our clients to use and enjoy. They now have a space to gather in comfort, chat and prepare food in a safe, homely environment. The difference it has made to the house has been immense," he concluded.
