Lentil As Anything



SBS Documentary Link: sbs.com.au/nakedlentil Lentil As Anything has never received government or corporate funding for the running of our restuarants. For years, and till this day, the excercise of running a business based on trust has worked. It was only in 2009, after 8 years of succesful operation that we encountered a system breakdown that caused financial stress. We have taken responsibility for this and welcome your support and feedback. Previous to this all of our profit has been channeled back into our restuarants and a number of community support projects that mirror our philosophy of social inclusion. The fact that after these succesful years, Shanaka only owns a bicycle and the clothes on his back is testament to our integrity. We remain transparent in our dealings and are very grateful for your support in seeing us continue to thrive into our 10th year and beyond!!! Thankyou. Lentil As Anything had no say in the final production of the documentary on sbs. The company benefited from the openness and trust that lentils exercises and was free to portray the organisation to it's liking. It is unfortunate that such a priceless occasion was spent focusing on our financial status and the emotions of some staff. Indeed it is ironic because the gist of lentils proposition is that society is not nourished by money but the unique qualities of it's people. What sbs has achieved is a misrepresentation and often gross fabrication of a truly unique social dynamic where a diverse number of people (1500 per day) sit and enjoy a meal served with pride and with no pressure to pay (with money). This I believe is crucial to reinstating everyone as valued members of our community. This culture encourages the best in people - Trust. Not just as a theory but an attitude. Hopefully more and more people will take responsibility for their actions and participate in building a kind, robust and vibrant society - it is still the case that "The revolution will not be televised"
	To donate to Lentil As Anything... Please make an online transfer to the following account: Lentil As Anything BSB 033058 ACCN 316893 Paypal and a new website will be coming soon!. For catering and specialised menus for all style of events... Call: Errol 0414 918 415 or 0424 081 738 or email: catering@lentilasanything.com To volunteer... Call or text: Matt 0424 241 684 or email... volunteers@lentilasanything.com Migration Officer and Office Matters: Justine Keon 0430081140 abbotsford@lentilasanything.com Lentil as Anything_Locations Lentil as Anything__ Abbotsford Convent 1 St. Heliers Street, Abbotsford, Victoria 3067 (03) 9419 6444196444 Lentil as Anything _ St Kilda 41 Blessington St St Kilda VIC 3182 (03) 9534 5833 Lentil as Anything _ Footscray 233 Barkly Street, Footscray VIC Phone: 0424 081 652 Please visit our Community Blog! and feel free to contribute in any way!	Lentil as Anything is a unique vegetarian restaurant that is run as a hot-for-profit community organisation and largely staffed by volunteers. Our philosophy is to allow the customer to decide what they want to pay for thier food and drinks. You decide the worth of the food, the experience, and the philosophy then upon leaving put an anonymous donation into the box on the counter. At Lentils, we aspire to provide a new model of community organisation. One that addr- esses social isolation experienced by new migrants and socially isolated people. We provide support and training for refugees, youth and other members of our commu- nity who are struggling to find an opportunity in their new social environment. All four locations also operate as training facilities for trainees to enter the hospitality industry. Lentil as Anything started in 2000 and now has four locations, one at Blessington Street, St. Kilda, another at the Abbotsford Convent in St. Heliers Street, Abbotsford and a new local has opened at 233 Barkly Street, Footscray. It also runs the canteen at the Colling- wood College, the first ever school canteen to be run in this manner. Lentilians believe Australia's strength is in its multiculturalism and social inclusion. We want to develop and encourage ideals of trust, generosity and respect. We provide food to countless people without drawing attention to their financial circum- stances and encourage the interaction and involvement from people from all walks of life. Lentils seek to encourage interaction, cultural exchange and community growth. It is also developing programs in addition to its restaurants, using our unique community develop- ment model to address the hardship of inequality that would normally be experienced by the people who come to and work at Lentils. We provide Immigration Support via a soley dedicated Imigration Consultunt and allocation of cultural exchange visas. We also provide long term term emergency accomodation for our volunteers.
Contact Address: Lentil as Anything. 1 St. Heliers Street, Abbotsford, Victoria 3067 Phone 9419 6444. Email abbotsford@lentilasanything.com