TLC Group

A little TLC goes a long way

At any given point throughout the year in the kitchens of Trinity families, an extra tray of roast veggies or a spare batch of cookies is being whipped up and set aside. These additional meals and sweet treats are made with love for those in the community who might be in need of a little extra ‘TLC’.

The TLC Community Support Group or 'TLC Group' was established in May 2020 as a subcommittee of the Trinity Parents’ Association. Led by Co-Convenors Alice Noonan and Angela Gill, it is a collective of parent volunteers who cook meals and snacks to be stored and distributed by the school’s Community Engagement team to those in the Trinity community who might be going through a challenging time. Members of the Trinity community also donate funds for items such as meal delivery vouchers, supermarket gift cards and hampers.

Essentially, if a parent or staff member is aware of a family which might be dealing with a tough diagnosis, the loss of a loved one or an otherwise generally difficult time, they can reach out to the Community Engagement team to discreetly send some Trinity love their way.

‘At the end of the day, we are so grateful for the opportunity to contribute in a positive way to the community around us,’ Alice and Angela said.

‘The support provided by the volunteers is simply amazing, and their homecooked goodies are always prepared with such thought and care. Their willingness to help and generosity is truly humbling, and without them this service to the school community couldn’t be provided.’

The group continues the long history of members of the Trinity community providing support for each other in many and varied ways. Since the initiative began, a dad who perfected the art of baking sourdough during lockdowns has provided loaves of bread, a mum who works for a publishing company has provided a selection of children’s books, and another Trinity parent who owns a honey farm in Tasmania has kindly donated boxes of honey. There was also a donation of vouchers to a local takeaway store and discounts for beautifully curated hampers at a local greengrocer.

During the two-week mandatory isolation period that students, parents, staff and families went through in July 2021, the TLC Group also facilitated support for families to shift from home-cooked meals to gift cards, vouchers, hampers and online deliveries.

‘We all go through ups and downs in life and need a little help sometimes. Problem is, we’re not that good at

TLC volunteer Desiree Sutrisno (left) and her cooking assistant, aka her Dad

asking,’ Ilse du Toit, Trinity parent and TLC Group volunteer, said.

‘The TLC group has a way of caring in such a practical, behind-thescenes way. I really treasure this! Who would not feel loved when they receive a batch of muffins or a chocolate brownie? Great group to be part of.’

The TLC Group is extremely grateful for all contributions. If you would like to join the roster or the list of volunteers and/or make a donation, please feel free to get in touch via

pa@trinity.vic.edu.au

And, if you are aware of anyone who needs some ‘TLC’, please get in touch with Lucy Cohen, Director of Community Engagement (cohenl@trinity.vic.edu.au) or your son’s Head of School, Head of Year or Form Teacher.

‘What I enjoy most about being involved with the TLC Group is being able to help members of our community who are having a tough time by making some favourite home recipes at a time that suits me. I'd encourage others to give it a go – you don't have to be a MasterChef!’ – Fiorina ‘I chose to be involved because any one of us can unexpectedly find ourselves in a situation of need. For our children, a meal is part of the normal routine and during times of difficulty, maintaining such a routine is comforting for them.’ – Andrea Bee

‘TLC allows me to extend support in a respectful way ensuring the community remains connected. I can easily double my cooking to provide a meal for another family.’ – Heidi Pfeffer

‘I enjoy the connection between families in the TGS community and ensuring those in need feel supported.’ – Louise Wilkie

‘I enjoy being creative with the meals I prepare and feeling thankful I can do something to help.’ – Anonymous

‘What I enjoy most about being involved with the TLC Group is knowing that we are helping other families within the Trinity community and that my boys are learning the value of sharing and giving.’ – Desiree Sutrisno

‘I enjoy being part of the group. My grandson attends the school and that is why I help. It is a great school and I admire the community feeling. Keep up the kind work; we all need a hand at times.’ – Helenjane Norton-Baker

‘I love that such a simple thing like a meal can make such a difference in a time of need. That simple meal says we’re here to help, we’re thinking of you, we’re sending you a little TLC. I also love that the boys see this in action and hope that when their time comes as adults they too will be inspired to do small acts of kindness towards others in times of need.’ – Lisa Williams

‘I contribute for a few reasons: It’s nice to look after another family! We’ve all been there – maybe there’s a new baby at home, or a family member in hospital, or an illness. There any so many things that can challenge us, and if a meal helps that family, and takes one stress off the table, then I’m happy to help. We’re a community, and we’ve been very challenged by Covid-19 and social distancing. Hopefully these meals ‘chip away’ at the distance we have between us. I enjoy it. I see my own family sit down together for a meal, and I see the same meal packed up and ready to go to another family. It’s a great feeling.’ – Anonymous

Angela Gill and Alice Noonan