COURTYARD COOKOUT FIRES UP

There was a nice moment after our first Courtyard Cook Out recently, when the crowds had all gone home, and only a few staff remained, cleaning up around the place and enjoying a knock-off drink, where we got to kick back under the glow of our beautiful Giving Tree and reflect on what'd just gone down.

We couldn't work out if the massive turnout had been thanks to the draw of having the Dustyesky choir perform their one and only live gig this year, the promise of tasty barbeque by the team at Barrio, or if people were just frothing to get out of the house finally and celebrate like we used to do so often and so easily? Regardless of motivation, it was an incredible sight to see the Byron community back together again and having what could only be described as a pretty bloody good time.

Centred around our Giving Tree, the Courtyard Cook Out is our way of getting people together at a time of year when it's tradition to share good food with good friends, but also to take a moment to think about those around our town who are doing it tough.

Thanks to many of the lovely Habitat retailers who donated prizes in our charity raffle, we were able to raise almost $500 for the Liberation Larder, who save food from being wasted and feed those in need.

The Giving Tree's also about collecting donated goods, which are then distributed to local folk sleeping rough. If you missed the event, but would like to make a donation, you can still drop goods into Habitat Collective between now and Dec 23. They're grateful for anything, but specific items like socks, undies, shirts, solar torches, toiletries and batteries are especially helpful.

If you'd like to donate directly to the Liberation Larder or volunteer, you can get more info here.

Look forward to seeing you at our next Courtyard Cook Out, coming early 2021.

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