When people in the community are doing it tough, there is a ‘Central Way’ of making things easier, thanks to the Alexandra Baptist Church.

Frozen meals and firewood are always available to families that need a bit of a leg up, and there are no strings attached. 

Lead pastor Craig Ashby said food and firewood are simple but valuable commodities, and that was when the idea for the ‘Central Way’ came about - back in 2015.

“That was the birth of it.”

Two working bees in Autumn and Spring made up of community volunteers, get together to split firewood and make meals - the Alexandra Baptist Church bought logs from Naseby in the very beginning as a kickstarter to get them up and going.

“In the years since, local people and businesses (e.g. orchards) have kindly donated trees for us to cut down and process.”

Anybody is welcome to join them as volunteers, or to nominate somebody who might need a boost. Have a look at their page under our Support and Services section

“People are always doing stuff tough and we wanted to make a positive difference.”

The ‘Central Way’ is not the only organisation helping families in need - there is also the Salvation Army and food banks in various towns across Central Otago, and the group connects with agencies at Alexandra Community House.

“This is about making it accessible.”

Splitting logs for firewood in the community, are (from left), Alan Clarke (obscured), Ian Clarke, Aaron Leslie. Image: supplied

Once the logs are cut and dried and the food packaged and put into freezers, there are more volunteers that come in and help out with deliveries - a well oiled machine of currently 50+ people.

“And there are those that come back (to help) that have been recipients,” he said. And that’s the beauty of community in action. It’s a very simple philosophy.”

Craig said they have supported about 15-20 families a year with firewood, and the people in the kitchen are all foodies, that love making soups, lasagnes, etc.

“It’s about playing our part and working together.”

A similar initiative in Pioneer Park in Alexandra a few months before Christmas, involving a group of men, a barbecue and a few hundred sausages was appreciated by many - some locals, and some passersby.

Keep a look out for them again in coming weeks, as I’m pretty sure they’ll be cranking up their barbecue again soon.

Craig has been leading Alexandra Baptist Church for over 10 years, after he and his family returned in 2015 and have noticed the community demographic changing.

“The diversity now is huge and that is broadening our horizons. The community is changing and we can’t live in the past.”

There is also a lot more hardship, “and stuff is expensive,” he said. It was all about just looking after each other. 

Contact [email protected] - 027 5483463 if you are interested in being involved in The Central Way, or would like to nominate somebody in need.

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