Several Vodafone Warriors players lent a hand in the kitchen at Mangere’s LIFE Soup Kitchen this week, preparing and serving hot, nutritious food for more than 300 local people in need.
LIFE Soup Kitchen operates in four South Auckland locations and exists to ensure the vulnerable do not go hungry, easing pressure on families and those who are unable to afford meals.
Agnatius Paasi, Leeson Ah Mau, Ken Maumalo and Patrick Herbert (all who have personal connections with Mangere) and Northland's Paul Turner were the Vodafone Warriors on hand.
Community relations coordinator Georgia Hale said the players were impacted by what they experienced.
“With a couple of the boys being locals, and the others all either from South Auckland or living there currently, I think they really valued the opportunity to help out in their local community," she said.
"It really did put smiles on the faces of some of the community’s most vulnerable families and we were so pleased and proud to be involved.”
LIFE Soup Kitchen served 340 meals on Tuesday night (May 21) with 27 volunteers giving up their time to serve their community.
LIFE Soup Kitchen manager Kahu Iupati said having the Vodafone Warriors players helping out was a real positive for those who attended.
“We’ve seen the need and know that what we do matters. We are grateful for our funders and the volunteers who turn up week in, week out to make this evening happen,” she said.
LIFE Soup Kitchen operates in Otara, Mangere, Glen Innes and Papakura from 6-7.30pm, with a fifth location, in West Auckland, opening later this year.
