Our story

Let’s start with the name.

20 for 1 Community. That’s 20 meals for one community.

Twenty-four -one is also 2041 – the Balmain peninsula, our home.

20 for 1 Community began in March 2020 when Marco De Angelis, owner of Our Place on Darling restaurant, contacted Vinnies Rozelle and offered to provide 20 meals free of charge to local residents who were doing it tough.

Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre then became involved and helped Marco expand the program by managing volunteers, identifying more locals needing support and providing management and logistics support.

As Marco puts it: “During the COVID-19 lock down, people in the area were being very generous in supporting my business, so I wanted to share that kindness and give a helping hand to locals in need.”

“People need support for all sorts of reasons – who’s to judge?

“A delicious, freshly cooked, quality meal, can make a big difference and let people know that we care.”

From a small beginning, a wide range of restaurants, cafes and speciality food stores in the Balmain, Birchgrove, Rozelle and Lilyfield areas have got on board and 20 for 1 Community continues to grow. Currently, over 250 meals plus hampers and snacks go out every week to people doing it tough in our community.

More volunteers have also joined to collect meals from our providore partners and deliver them to local residents.

Join us today and fill our community with caring and kindness.