Red Rocket coffee van reaching out to men in Preston
An old caravan is being transformed into a mobile food and coffee haven, with hopes it will change the lives of men on both sides of its counter.
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Coffee, carpentry and collaboration are behind a new initiative to bring men together in Preston.
The Salvation Army has launched the Red Rocket, a program to transform an old caravan into a mobile coffee and food van.
Salvation Army project co-ordinator Damian Rawlings said giving men a chance to fit out the van would provide a sense of common purpose.
“We will work and bond together, helping each other learn what it means to live in a healthy and productive way,” Mr Rawlings said.
Work will be done at the Salvation Army garage on Gower St, Preston.
Salvation Army Major Peter McGuigan said the van would give workers a common goal but also allow them to be connected with a number of services, such as mental health providers.
After the refit, expected to take six months, the van will travel around Darebin to provide food, coffee and other basic amenities to those doing it tough.
Mr McGuigan said the van would be a mobile support system.
“There’s a lot of men today who struggle with identity and underlying issues of who they are as men,” he said.
Launched on Monday, the event coincided with the beginning of the annual Red Shield Appeal.
The Salvos are aiming to raise $8 million nationwide and will hold a doorknock this weekend.
Mr McGuigan said the appeal was a simple way for Australians to help ease the hardship felt by many.
“Hardship does not discriminate. More Australians from all walks of life are turning to The Salvation Army for help,” he said.
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Donations to the Red Shield Appeal can be made by phone on 13 SALVOS, at salvationarmy.org.au, or at any Westpac branch or Salvation Army store.
They will also be receiving donations at Bunnings Northland, Woolworths Preston, Northland Shopping Centre and Summerhill Shopping Centre.
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