Kindness Shake: The selfless volunteers providing free meals to Darwin's international students

International students in need of a hand at a Darwin university will receive a 'kindness shake' thanks to an initiative run by volunteers who are providing free weekly meals.

One of the Kindness Shake corodinators Ben Poveda-Alfonso in the kitchen. Source: Facebook

The 'Kindness Shake' is a community-led initiative run at Charles Darwin University to provide a free pre-made meal to people doing it the toughest during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially international students and those on temporary visas.

International Student Support Project Officer Ben Poveda-Alfonso has rallied a group of volunteers to coordinate the “grab and go” initiative every Friday.

"If you need a hand, we do not give it physically, but we do give it with kindness and affection," he told SBS Spanish.

Many international students at the university are employed in industries affected by the pandemic, mainly in the hospitality sector. 

Mr Poveda-Alfonso said the goodwill demonstrates "the contribution that international students can make when they join together for a common good" and at the same time, their volunteer work "helps the whole community".

“International students are particularly affected because many are hospitality workers who have lost their jobs, but they still need to pay rent, fees and buy food,” he said.

“What has been amazing is the way that our international student community has come together to help each other along with the broader community. We have a group of 10 students who will be volunteering with Kindness Shake and making today’s service possible."

Kindness Shake Source: Facebook

A number of Darwin businesses, which are also feeling the impact of the crisis, have joined the university initiative.

Jazz Walia, owner of the Fresh Point Café, said the idea of cooking and delivering free meals came after seeing people queuing at their local Centrelink office.

“I thought to myself: I am still driving, I have petrol in my car and I’m going to work, so what can I do for people who can’t do that on a regular basis?” Mr Walia said.

“Since then, Kindness Shake has been delivering sandwiches and water to people at the Palmerston Centrelink and we are happy to now be expanding our service to other members of the community.

The team of volunteers is encouraging the local community to get involved by donating money or by giving up their time.