Volunteer based food relief group Heart & Soul has its delivery van torched in Hackham West

A local food charity, which runs free markets in Two Wells, Elizabeth, Hackham West and Queenstown, has been overwhelmed by the community’s support after its delivery van was torched.

Patrick Dixon, volunteer and driver for food charity Heart and Soul Community Group, in front of the burnt out van. Picture: AAP Image/Morgan Sette

The community has thrown its support behind a local food charity, after its refrigerated truck was set alight and destroyed.

Last last month while volunteers of Heart & Soul Group were distributing free food at their weekly market, the truck, called Ruby, was torched in the driveway of a volunteer’s Hackham West home.

Group founder Eman Rahim has set up a GoFundMe page to raise $20,000 so another truck can get back on the road to help service the free market days held in Two Wells, Elizabeth, Hackham West and Queenstown, which assist more than 2000 people.

The page has raised close to $2000.

Ms Rahim says the community’s support has been “heartwarming”.

“The people that come to our markets don't have much but they give us $5 or $10,” she says. “Thank you to everyone for their continued support, it has restored my faith in humanity, it really has.”

Ms Rahim says Ruby’s torching was a “slap in the face”.

“(Volunteer) Patrick (Dixon) got home and saw two fire trucks in front of his house,” Ms Rahim explains.

“The truck was so close to the house, he thought it was his house (on fire).”

Luckily two firies had put it out but the truck was completely ruined.

“We had to cancel the Two Wells market … which meant 200 families missed out on food,” Ms Rahim says.

“My volunteers are still shedding tears, and for Patrick, every time he gets home the reminder is always there.

“We’re all sad and put in so much effort, it was a real slap in the face.”

Mr Dixon, who has been volunteering with the organisation for four years is “gutted”.

“You come home to a fire and there was nothing left,” Mr Dixon says.

“You see how fast a fire can spread, it was a good thing the fire brigade put it out.”

If you would like to support the group visit CLICK HERE

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Originally published as Volunteer based food relief group Heart & Soul has its delivery van torched in Hackham West