C Care launches $500,000 campaign to double its capacity to help people in need

C Care has launched a major community fundraising campaign to raise $500,000 to help complete the fit-out of its new home in Pakington Street, St Kilda.

The aim is to meet the soaring demand from many more people for food relief and social connection across Melbourne.

C Care is a Melbourne-based not-for-profit community charity that supports people facing food insecurity and social isolation. Through meal delivery, grocery assistance, and meaningful connection programs, C Care provides vital support and a sense of belonging to thousands of individuals and families every year.

The organisation has been providing services for over a decade, including freshly cooked meals, fresh grocery hampers, pantry items, and warm connections to those who need them most, through a dedicated network of passionate volunteers and generous donors.

The demand for support continues to grow as cost-of-living pressures, housing stress, and social isolation impact more Australians than ever before. The new Pakington Street hub will feature a commercial kitchen capable of producing thousands of meals weekly, dedicated volunteer spaces for meal packing and grocery distribution, a dedicated pantry area with space for 66 pallets of goods, and a warm, community-oriented environment for outreach and engagement.

The move will significantly expand C Care’s capacity to serve the community and ensure its programs can continue to operate efficiently, safely, and sustainably.

The CEO of C Care, Rabbi Shlomo Nathanson, said, “Currently, C Care supports more than 2,500 people every week.”

“Our new premises will allow us to prepare nourishing meals for 5,000 people, twice as many as today, where community connections grow stronger, volunteers have space to give their best, and food support feels like belonging, not charity.”

To achieve this, C Care is calling on the community to get behind the “More Than a Meal” campaign, which aims to raise $500,000 to fund the final fit-out, equipment and furnishings needed to bring the new space to life.

The Chair of C Care and former President of Jewish Care Victoria, Bruce Rosengarten, said, “This move is about so much more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a home and a place where people feel welcome, respected, and supported. Every dollar donated will help us open our doors and ensure the people who rely on us continue to receive the help and connection they deserve.”

The campaign will be officially launched on Monday, 17 November, with early support already flowing in from long-time donors and local businesses. C Care has invited the community and businesses across Melbourne to join the campaign and help raise the final funds needed to complete the move.

C Care says that donations are fully tax-deductible and can be made via https://morethanameal.ccare.org.au/

Rabbi Nathanson said, “Together, we can build a space that stands as a symbol of hope, compassion, and community. Because when the community comes together, incredible things happen.”