Last acts of kindness

SEVERAL Bellarine businesses have shown a final act of kindness, donating thousands of dollars’ worth of food to Feed Me Bellarine (FMB) before closing their doors.
Among the list of vendors is Lyndsay Sharp, who gave everything perishable from multiple establishments including Jack Rabbit Vineyard’s restaurant and café, Flying Brick Cider House and Curlewis Golf Club and The Range.
“We donated lots of fruit, vegetables, cheese, eggs, some pre-made sauces – basically anything perishable that the awesome team at Feed Me Bellarine could turn into meals for those people in the community who are struggling,” Ms Sharp said.
“Donating to FMB was a silver lining in our coronavirus journey and temporary closure. To think that a lot of our venues’ food was going to help provide comfort to those in serious need in our community was a source of pride and comfort
for everyone.”
Ms Sharp said they also did their best to provide some support to their own staff as each of the respective venues shut down.
“Food was also given to staff at all venues and the kitchen team at The Range pre-made a range of different meals that staff from all venues could come and pick up and which hopefully provided some comfort as well – Thai vegetable curry, shepherd’s pie, quiche to mention a few,” she said.
Ms Sharp said like most businesses they’ve adapted to keep employees on where possible, with sales and warehouse staff still working thanks to online wine sales.
“It has broken our hearts (David and I) to have to stand down so many staff but we’re committed to communicating with all team members as fast and often as possible.
“We are a family business and at the end of the day they are family. Our winery and vineyard teams remain on the go and although morale is subdued because of the venue closures and impact on colleagues – they are positive and grateful to actually have a reasonable bounty of grapes to be picked.”
Lana Purcell, one part of the FMB duo, said it was heartbreaking to see the Jack Rabbit Vineyard team on an empty balcony when they collected the produce.
“Watching their team on an empty balcony having a glass of wine in a circle of love, broke our hearts.
“To the hundreds of staff that had to leave that day, they are heartbroken to see you go. We don’t know what is next, but we know that the Lyndsay Sharp group is strong.
“They will be back the minute the can, they have a strong and fearless leader who sent all her venues food our way to support our community.”