Recently, five members of the OryxAlign team used their volunteering day to support Refettorio Felix at St Cuthbert’s Centre in London – swapping their usual working day for setting tables, serving lunch and spending time with guests.
Refettorio Felix is a community drop-in centre supporting vulnerable and socially isolated adults. Every weekday, the charity serves a freshly prepared three-course lunch alongside a range of other support services. The meals are made using food donated by The Felix Project, turning it into high-quality meals from ingredients that might otherwise go to waste.
But it’s about much more than just lunch. Refettorio Felix provides a welcoming space for people from a range of circumstances to sit down, enjoy a meal and spend time with others. There’s a real focus on hospitality, kindness and treating everyone who comes through the doors with the same level of respect.
Our team joined the dining room service for the day, helping to prepare the space before welcoming guests with tea and coffee and serving the three-course lunch. Between courses, there were tables to clear, drinks to top up and plenty to keep everyone busy – as well as time to chat with guests along the way.
Anna Benson, Executive Assistant at OryxAlign and volunteer, summed up the experience:
“Refettorio Felix was a great way to give back to the community to provide people with good food and just have a chat with those who were needing it the most. I'm really glad I got the opportunity to volunteer.”
Craig Serventy, Service Delivery Team Lead at OryxAlign, also reflected:
“The experience was proof that we're all just people, in need of an understanding smile, a hot meal and a cup of tea. Perhaps a slice of cake.”
It was a busy and, at times, moving experience. What stood out most was the community Refettorio Felix has created and the warmth of the people the team met throughout the day.
Volunteering days at OryxAlign are an important part of how we encourage our people to support the communities and causes that matter to them. We’re proud to give our team the time to get involved, and it was great to see that time put to such good use at Refettorio Felix.
A huge thank you to the Refettorio Felix team for having us, and to our OryxAlign volunteers for getting involved.