Mangoola Open Cut has cemented a great relationship with the Muswellbrook’s Red Door Community Kitchen (RDCK) through donations of food, funds and volunteers assisting Christmas lunch.

Last month, CHPP Manager, Chris March, was speaking with Red Door Kitchen organiser and spokesperson, Brian Collard, when it came to light that their old freezer was “on the blink” with a hefty repair quote at hand and not many dollars in the tin.

Chris proposed to the Mangoola’s Fundraising Committee and Operations Manager, Jacob Hundertmark, that the mine could come to their aid. 

On Friday November 12, 2021, the Mangoola workforce delivered a donation of just under $5,000 to RDCK for the purchase of a replacement 600 litre freezer.

“This support could not have come at a more crucial time as we approach Christmas and having no freezer severely limits our ability to keep donations of fresh foods, or leftovers for coming events,” Brian said.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of Mangoola’s workforce and this assistance will make a difference to those in our community who are most in need.”

RDCK hold a community lunch on Thursday’s which hosts between 40 to 70 people in need of a helping hand and hearty meal. 

Brian and his team of volunteers give freely of their personal time and labour to look after those in need in our community. 

Each week requires careful planning and preparation to ready themselves for the weekly charitable event in the heart of Muswellbrook. 

Brain said the volunteer group was getting “back into the swing of things” following a 10-week pause as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to their weekly Thursday lunch, RDCK will hold a Christmas lunch on Thursday, December 23 to add some Christmas cheer to close out their year.