Frequently asked questions
Why should I choose FareShare for team building?
The FareShare kitchen provides the perfect setting for employees to interact with colleagues across departments and levels, while making a tangible difference. It can also be a great way to build relationships with clients. No special skills are required and everyone participates on an equal basis.
What results will I expect?
Each group of corporate volunteers finish their 3-4 hour shift having made over 1000 nutritious meals for Victorian families and individuals in need.
Participants will also learn about the impact of hunger in our community, and leave with a real understanding of how their efforts have directly helped disadvantaged Australians.
What will they be doing?
Teams undertake a variety of kitchen tasks such as rolling pastry, cracking eggs, creating sausage rolls and packing meals.
How many meals will they cook in a shift?
On a typical shift, corporate volunteers cook at least 1000 meals.
How long is the shift?
Shifts run for 3-4 hours. including a break in the middle.
What are the shift times?
1) Morning shifts: 9am-12.30pm (Mon-Fri)
2) Afternoon shifts: 1.15pm-5pm (Mon-Thurs)
3) Evening shifts: 6.15pm to 8:30pm (Tues & Thurs)
What is the minimum and maximum group size?
Morning: 12 – 14 volunteers
Afternoon: 12- 14 volunteers
Evening: 14 – 16 volunteers
Where is the volunteering done?
Our state of the art production kitchen is located at 1-7 South Audley St, Abbotsford.
How do I get there by public transport?
We recommend you use public transport – the 109 and 12 trams run along Victoria St (you get off at stop 22). The 78 tram on Church St terminates on Victoria St. Or you can catch the train to North Richmond Station (a 10 minute walk). We also have bike racks out the front.
What is car parking like?
We do not have access to off street parking nearby. There are some 4 hour parks in surrounding streets but they are hard to find. There is parking for a fee available at Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre, which is a 10 minute walk from the FareShare kitchen. Street parking is available in the evenings.
How much does it cost?
The financial contribution is $750 (plus GST) for a half-day experience or evening shift.
Can I pay another way?
FareShare does on occasion accept in kind payment for corporate shifts, usually in the form of food, other goods or services, or the provision of skilled volunteers and general expertise. If you feel your organisation has something to offer in this respect, please let us know.
What's your cancellation policy?
If you have to cancel your shift within 3 weeks of your booking date, we apply a 50% cancellation fee. The reason for this is that it is hard to find another group to take your booking at short notice, and we will therefore drop production if you are unable to come in and support us on the date you booked.
What do I need to bring/wear?
For a kitchen shift we ask volunteers to bring a clean apron and hat (of any kind to cover your hair), comfortable clothing (no sleeveless tops in summer), and wear runners or sneakers. Shoes must be closed in, flat and comfortable.
Who are your facilitators?
Groups are supervised by our experienced chefs and supervisors who will demonstrate the tasks to be undertaken.
How much notice do we need to give to book a corporate volunteering session?
Our kitchen shifts are popular and often book out 2-3 months in advance. It is best to book early to secure your preferred dates.
What's involved in garden volunteering?
Our Abbotsford Kitchen Garden is open to corporate volunteering on Friday mornings for up to 12 volunteers. Gardening tasks may include weeding, mulching, propagating, planting, harvesting and composting.
Who has volunteered at FareShare before?
A wide range of organisations, including some of Australia’s biggest companies together with smaller businesses and community organisations, book corporate shifts in the FareShare kitchen; many of them on a regular basis.
