Oaklands Chapel hosts a number of Outreach community support events through out the year:

Barbeque - Barbeque - We host a Community BBQ at the beginning of September and this year (2008) was a great success.  Right after the service on Sunday we grilled up so many hamburgers and hot dogs that we ran out.   The bouncy castle games and activities were a huge hit.   It was so much fun with the music, and activities that people (both Oaklands and neighbours stayed for most of the afternoon).  Praise God for some good conversations and a chance to simply express friendship to our neighbours.

Soccer Camp – this was the 6th year we have cooperated with the Oaklands Community Association to put on the summer soccer camp.  Every Tuesday morning Nat Massa and helpers gave young and aspiring soccer stars the opportunity to learn skills and have fun together.  Numbers grew as the summer went along and we ended with a hot dog BBQ and awards day for about 15 kids plus parents on the last Tuesday of August.

Cridge Centre for the Family – Much has changed in this Christian community organization as they have added the Seniors’ Centre to their already extensive slate of helpful programs.  Both Louise Parton and our Senior Pastor, Phil Horton sit on the Board of the Cridge and some of our people are employees of the organization.  We wish to bless them and cooperate with them as they serve many children, families and seniors, many of whom are in times of crisis.

Oaklands Community Centre – We continue to strive to work together with the Community Association to bless our community in a variety of ways.  This year again we took care of the ‘cooking’ and ‘serving of food’ responsibilities at the “Celebration at the Centre”.  In the past month we also have appreciated the opportunity to rent their 24 passenger bus to help transport our burgeoning middle school group to an event or two.  We look forward to continued cooperation in our community. 

Food Assistance – Each year we give food to both Oaklands family and everyone who calls or comes by needing food. Last year there were approximately a dozen families from various areas in Victoria that came by for a selection of food that we keep in our supply. Our supply comes from the weekly donations from Oaklands Chapel attendees – thank you for your donations. We also try to keep on hand Thrifty’s Smile Cards that are loaded with $10 – 20. In most situations these are given to only Oaklands Chapel attendees. The Smile Cards come out of our Assistance Fund.

Food Hampers - Our big food drive is at Christmas where we put together special boxes of food and Smile Cards to brighten up Christmas for those in need. We try to include special food treats that are not usually on their shopping list.  Last year we made up 25 hampers which the pastors delivered. All recipients were very appreciative.