Thanks A Million campaign: Alex Makes Meals founder Alex Dekker nominated

Alex Dekker has turned some of the darkest times of lockdown into something good and he plans on continuing just that.

Alex Dekker was a full time uni student when COVID-19 hit and what started as him making meals for his sister, a doctor run off her feet during the pandemic, grew into a charity to now supplies up to 5000 meals a week to the needy. Picture: Tony Gough

Before COVID-19 hit, Alex Dekker was a full-time student studying science and global studies. Now the 20-year-old runs food charity Alex Makes Meals, making around 5000 dishes a week for the needy.

It all started when he began cooking for his sister Pietra, whose job as a doctor at the Monash Medical Centre had her working exceptionally long hours during COVID-19. Now several people have nominated Mr Dekker in the Thanks A Million campaign for his dedication to feeding others.

“I was just doing what any other person would do for a family member,” Mr Dekker said of helping his sister.

“From (there), the meals idea grew to include other friends and before long it was up to 100 meals a week.

“Then I heard of homelessness charities who couldn’t cope with the demand to produce meals and it grew again.”

Alex Dekker of Alex Makes Meals. Picture: Tony Gough

Around 52 charities now receive food from Alex Makes Meals, including The Salvation Army and church groups that work with charities. Mr Dekker said the focus of his organisation is producing good quality food, priding himself on delivering, “the best free food.”

Alex Makes Meals operates with a volunteer force of 60 to 80 people and is 100 per cent donation and volunteer funded. Just $1 provides two meals, he said, urging people to donate whatever they can.

“The business started due to COVID-19, but the need has always been there,” Mr Dekker said.

“As we started growing, we had many charities reach out to us who couldn’t keep up with demand.”

Mr Dekker needs donor help to purchase food trucks to sell to the public – a viable funding model for his charity longer-term.

“I was studying full-time at uni when this started and for now I will keep doing this,” he said. “I feel like I have found my real purpose. This is my chance to give back to the community and make a real difference.

“And every now and then I still drop a meal around to my sister.”

To nominate someone and say thanks, go to thanksamillion.net.au and they could receive a $200 Woolworths Gift Card.

Terms and conditions apply. For full terms and conditions, visit thanksamillion.net.au

Originally published as Thanks A Million campaign: Alex Makes Meals founder Alex Dekker nominated