Ruah has welcomed Pan Pacific Perth’s exciting new venture to help end homelessness in Perth – one bacon and egg roll at a time!
It was a dry but chilly morning as more than 30 guests gathered for the official launch of Bobby’s BBQ Truck. As well as selling tasty food, and providing a much-needed boost to Ruah funds, Bobby’s BBQ Truck also has the potential to provide work experience and employment opportunities for people who have experienced homelessness.
At the height of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Pan Pacific Perth opened its doors and its heart to some of Perth’s most chronic rough-sleepers, keeping them safe and proving itself a ‘Hotel with Heart’.
Ruah Community Services is thrilled that the luxury hotel is now continuing its connection with those special guests – and with Ruah – by donating profits from the sale of bacon and egg rolls at Bobby’s BBQ Truck to help Ruah’s work in this complex area.
“Ruah supports thousands of vulnerable and disadvantaged people every year and some of our most critical work is aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness to transform their lives and find their way back into secure accommodation and a much brighter future,” said Ruah’s Chief Operations Officer, Mark Slattery.
“The interest and enthusiasm of the Pan Pacific Perth team, and particularly the General Manager, Rob Weeden, was evident from the day we met them – and we couldn’t be happier to be building on that with Bobby’s BBQ Truck and the potential it has to expand our work to end homelessness.
“At that time – when COVID-19 posed such a serious risk to the most chronic rough sleepers – the Pan Pacific Perth provided a safe haven where almost 30 people could be quarantined and experience the kind of safety, security and regular nutritious food they could only imagine.
“There were some wonderful and very successful health and housing outcomes from that pilot program which was originally designed to help protect vulnerable people from the Coronavirus pandemic; the community from the heightened risk of community transmission if the virus were to spread among a cohort who had no home in which to isolate; and the health system from significantly increased demand.
“We are also immensely grateful to Gary and his team at Osborne Motor Bodies for donating, and fitting out such an impressive food truck – and for each and every one of the Pan Pacific Perth team who we know will be serving up some fabulous food from it,” Mark added.
From everyone at Ruah Community Services – a whole-hearted “thank you” to Rob, Gary and their respective teams. And to the people of Perth who we hope will come and enjoy some great food, and add their support too, to this generous venture.