TGH Exclusive: Food truck owner treats South Australia town’s frontline workers to Greek lunch

·

By Argyro Vourdoumpa.

On Tuesday, April 14, amid the coronavirus pandemic, a food truck was parked outside Riverland General Hospital in the little town of Berri, in South Australia, treating nurses and doctors to free Greek delicacies.

Lefteri Eleftheriadis, the owner of Lefty’s Greek Street Eatz, knows a thing or two about hurdles in life and the importance of solidarity and ‘filotimo’ in tough situations like the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit Australia’s local communities and businesses hard.

“My father brought me up saying that if you can do something good for someone, don’t be afraid to do it. This is what I want to teach my kids as well,” Lefteri, 54, told The Greek Herald.

The son of immigrant parents from Katerini, Northern Greece, Lefteri was born in Australia and has lived in Berri, 238 kilometres northeast of Adelaide, his whole life.

“I am one of the lucky tradies. I can still go out and work. There are other people I know who are doing it very hard,” he says.

(Left) Lefteri Elefteriadis with his daughters Despina and Leannah. (Right) Lefteri served more than 90 meals to Riverland General Hospital frontline workers.

In a move to recognise and support his local hospital’s frontline workers who are also members of his community, Lefteri and his family came up with the idea to offer free meals.

“My wife, Christine, works in mental health and I know how much pressure frontline workers are under. I just wanted to put a smile on their faces. It might not be enough to take the pressure away but it’s a small, thank-you gesture.”

On that day, the Eleftheriadis family served more than 90 meals and the feedback was great.

“They were very appreciative, some wanted to pay me, others brought my kids chocolate Easter eggs to thank them,” said the Greek Australian food truck owner.

“We didn’t do it for credit or pats on the back. It was satisfying enough to just be able to do something. As I told my kids, I can’t heal anyone but I can cook. We can all contribute in some small way to make this world a better place.”

Asking him to share a message with Australia’s Greek community, Lefteri suggests we need to follow the government’s instructions and support each other when possible.

“This is the Greek thing to do. This is ‘filotimo’.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greece ranks among top three global shipping powers

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, the global shipping industry remains resilient.

Oldest Greek marble altar found in western Mediterranean

Archaeologists have uncovered a marble column fragment from the 5th century B.C. at the Casas del Turuñuelo site in southwestern Spain.

Alpha restaurant to host centenary celebration honouring Mikis Theodorakis

On Sunday, August 24 at 12pm, Alpha restaurant will host 'Centenary Tribute to Mikis Theodorakis' featuring the Australian Hellenic Choir.

Phlavour Revolution: Greek duo deliver home-cooked goodness to your doorstep

The duo behind restaurant Bahari in Richmond have recently launched a new venture, called Phlavour, ‘Mediterranean Ready Meals.’

Webinar for Greeks abroad tackles key tax issues and draws hundreds

The first TaxWebinar dedicated exclusively to Greeks abroad and tax residents of other countries was held on Wednesday, July 9.

You May Also Like

SYRIZA and PASOK unite to push for no-confidence motion over Tempi train tragedy

SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos has backed a no-confidence motion against the government, joining PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis.

Athena Razos jailed for stealing over $1.56 million from Melbourne law firm

Victorian County Court has sentenced Athena Razos to 5 years 3 months' jail after stealing over $1.56 million from a Melbourne law firm.

TikToker ordered to pay $20,000 in Sue Chrysanthou-led defamation case

TikTok influencer Amelia Findlay has been ordered to pay $20,000 in damages for defaming University of Sydney student Bearte McDonald.