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Coronavirus NSW: Parramatta cafe The Shed delivers meals to emergency service workers

A western Sydney cafe is brightening up emergency service workers’ day by delivering hearty meals to the exhausted heroes working on the coronavirus frontline.

Sam Georges dispenses such lunch to paramedics Jessie Fraser and Jordan Rosser. Picture: Angelo Velardo
Sam Georges dispenses such lunch to paramedics Jessie Fraser and Jordan Rosser. Picture: Angelo Velardo

The Shed Cafe at Parramatta is providing some heartfelt fuel for paramedics by delivering food as a way to say thank you for their efforts during the coronavirus.

The cafe already kicked off the drive with 50 meals for Northmead NSW Ambulance superstation staff on Wednesday and will hand out the lunches each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The Shed cafe Parramatta owner Sam Georges delivers meals to the Northmead NSW Ambulance superstation. Picture: Angelo Velardo
The Shed cafe Parramatta owner Sam Georges delivers meals to the Northmead NSW Ambulance superstation. Picture: Angelo Velardo

Generous customers donate the meals online and staff at the Macquarie St cafe provide a coffee on the house to go with meals including lamb kofta, falafel, butter chicken, Thai green curry, lasagne and chicken with rice.

The “heat and serve” meals are prepared so they can also be dinner options.

Sam Georges with paramedics at lunch time. Picture: Angelo Velardo
Sam Georges with paramedics at lunch time. Picture: Angelo Velardo

Owner Sam Georges said the idea was hatched after two paramedics visited the cafe last week and staff shouted them coffee.

Northmead station officer and intensive care paramedic Jordan Rosser. Picture: Angelo Velardo
Northmead station officer and intensive care paramedic Jordan Rosser. Picture: Angelo Velardo
Paramedic Jessie Fraser tucks into lunch. Picture: Angelo Velardo
Paramedic Jessie Fraser tucks into lunch. Picture: Angelo Velardo

Now his team has been overwhelmed to help the emergency service workers with complimentary meals.

“It’s awesome,’’ Mr Georges said.

A hearty chicken with vegetables. Picture: Angelo Velardo
A hearty chicken with vegetables. Picture: Angelo Velardo

“The whole team got a little bit emotional about it and they were very, very appreciative.

“It’s a bit of an eye-opener. You think what’s life all about, it’s about giving and help out. It was pretty overwhelming seeing the reaction.’’

Meals can be reheated so they can be enjoyed at dinner time. Picture: Angelo Velardo
Meals can be reheated so they can be enjoyed at dinner time. Picture: Angelo Velardo

Like thousands of small businesses struck by the coronavirus pandemic, The Shed was forced to cut staff from 12 to five employees, who are helping the business stay afloat by extending their skills.

“Baristas have become kitchen hands, our kitchen hands have become front of house so everyone’s helping each other out,’’ Mr Georges said.

To donate a meal, visit mealsbytheshed.com.au

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/parramatta/coronavirus-nsw-parramatta-cafe-the-shed-delivers-meals-to-emergency-service-workers/news-story/e91cae7409c8859b4b33b2253b528fb0