On Wednesday, February 20 clients were starting to fill the dining area by 11.45am with some participating in some pre-lunch tai chi exercises.

In 2018, Pearls Place provided an average of 46 meals each Wednesday to guests who come from across the shire to enjoy a healthy and delicious two-course meal. 

Pearls Place president Louise Maud said each person had a different reason for visiting Pearls Place, but they all enjoyed the friendly company, warm welcome and home cooking.

“We are so grateful to our supporters. None of this would be possible without the generosity and thoughtfulness of local businesses, clubs and individual community members and our wonderful volunteers," Ms Maud said about the success of the cafe over the last 12 months.

“For example, at Christmas Tura Beach and Merimbula Woolworths provided generous financial support so we could give our guests a traditional Christmas lunch.  Merimbula Woolworths also allocated a trolley for customers to donate goods that were used in our hampers. The Merimbula Direct Chemist Outlet provided beautifully wrapped gifts for our guests’ lucky door prizes, Reaching Out Foundation made a welcome cash donation and two large hams were donated by Millingandi local, Sue Buckett," Ms Maud said.

“Throughout the year we receive generous donations from Sapphire Dairy and Juices, Merimbula Rotary, Bendigo Community Bank, Sautelle White Lawyers, RSL, Club Sapphire, Merimbula Uniting Church and many, many individual community members who provide fruit, veggies, eggs and other items, that enable us to keep cooking and serving meals to our guests, many of whom are disadvantaged in some way.

“We are so grateful for the community support and we know that our guests are benefitting from the time they spend at Pearls. Our heart-felt thanks to all who make this possible. We look forward to another successful year”, Ms Maud said.

Pearls Place has been operating now for over three and a half years.