DECEMBER 2007

As we approached the celebration of Christmas once again, we wish to thank all those who continue to be a part of The Shared Table. Firstly those who consistently give on a yearly basis their $1.00 a week to feed the children of our Kitchens, of which there are now seven. This is the support upon which The Shared Table is based. We especially acknowledge the work of our contact people who not only collect money, but keep our participants informed.

We also thank those whose contributions outside of this have enabled us to set up the infrastructure necessary for The Shared Table to function. You cannot feed children without plates, spoons, cups, tables and chairs.

Through this blogspot we would especially like to acknowledge the recent contributions of the BALLARAT DIOCESE, the SOCIETY OF ST. COLUMBAN and PFD FOOD SERVICES PTY LTD AUSTRALIA, whose contributions have enabled us to complete the first and second stages of the Community Outreach Centre at Motupe. Out of this Centre, one of our bigger Kitchens operates.

And beyond the shores of Australia, we acknowledge the ongoing support of the children of the Parish Primary School of Hollywood, Co Wicklow, Ireland.

The children who benefit from The Shared Table wish all our friends a very happy and holy Christmas.

Around The Kitchens

SAN ANTONIO
San Antonio, founded by Señora Martha Vargas and a group of mothers, is a kitchen that has been in operation for a number of years. The children who benefit from this Kitchen come from particularly poor families living in harsh conditions. Martha has been involved with the Parish for many years as a catechist, and for all of these reasons The Shared Table Project made the decision to subsidise the cost of the children´s meals.

The harsh reality that surrounds the people around the Kitchen of San Antonio.

MONTENEGRO
This facility was already in place at this particular chapel and only needed some modifications to begin operating as one of our Children´s Kitchens. It functions in conjunction with the local clinic and provides meals for children suffering malnutrition.

NUEVO AMANECER
Another of our poorer communities whose children benefit through the support of The Shared Table.

CANGALLO
The first of our kitchens to be set up and is still running well and responsibly.

MOTUPE
Thanks to the Society of St. Columban, we have a well set up kitchen next to the main chapel of the Parish at Motupe. This Children´s Kitchen also operates in conjunction with the local Health Clinic, providing for children suffering malnutrition. This facility serves our Children´s Kitchen as well as other Parish groups and events.

PEDREGAL ALTO
The Shared Table has recently made a commitment to assist the Comedor of Pedregal Alto, a particularly poor community on the high slopes of the Valley of Jicamarca.

The harshness of the terrain and the living conditions of Pedregal Alto.

EL TREBOL
This little kitchen was constructed by the women themselves. The children are fed in the community chapel next to the kitchen. This Kitchen began operating with the assistance of The Shared Table in April 2007.

A Bit Of Serious Fun

On Saturday 13th of October a Volleyball Competition between the mothers of our Children´s Kitchens was organised by Lucy, the Parish Social Worker. A chance to get together and share some fun with the children. The Parish Priest was part of the judging panel to ensure fair play of course!

An enthusiatic crowd gather for the knock out competition.

The swearing in ceremony before the competition. A very formal introduction to the proceedings.

Serious volleyball underway - the Final. The recently opened Community Outreach Centre can be seen in the background.