Endowment grant helps establish Kosher Pantry at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney
The St Vincent’s Curran Foundation Endowment Fund supports innovative projects, research and patient care by investing donations and using the earnings to fund priority programs, equipment and initiatives across St Vincent’s.
Each year, Endowment Grants are awarded to projects identified by St Vincent’s staff as having the greatest potential to improve patient care and experience. In 2025, the Fund awarded $1 million across 29 projects supporting a diverse range of initiatives throughout the campus.
One of those grants helped establish the Kosher Pantry at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, officially opened on 30 June 2026 by Minister for Health the Hon Ryan Park MP, with NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM.
Established through a partnership between Jewish House, Abraham’s Tent and St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, with seed funding from the St Vincent’s Curran Foundation Endowment Grants Program, the pantry provides Jewish patients, families and visitors with 24-hour access to kosher food, prayer books and essential religious items, ensuring comfort, dignity and continuity of faith during times of illness and uncertainty.
The importance of the pantry became clear almost immediately after it was established. During the tragic events at Bondi Junction, it provided practical and spiritual comfort to families gathered at St Vincent’s Hospital.
Rabbi Mendel Kastel OAM, CEO of Jewish House and a hospital chaplain for more than 35 years, reflected on its impact:
“It was used on a very difficult night when families of victims gathered at the hospital. This pantry brought great comfort. We as a community are truly grateful.”
The Kosher Pantry is a powerful example of how philanthropy helps bring staff-led ideas to life, enhancing the hospital experience through practical initiatives that provide comfort, inclusion and compassionate care for patients and families when they need it most.
Gifts to the Endowment Fund helps ensure our St Vincent’s community has access to essential items and care like this not just in times of crisis, but every day. You can support the Endowment by making an annual donation or major one-off gift, joining a dedicated community of donors who value investing in the future of healthcare.