Can you help?

Published on 24 April 2017

Food-Pantry-May.jpg

The cooler weather is working its way across our Region and most of us have a warm home, blankets and ample food, but for some it will be cold and they will be hungry.

You can help those who need a helping hand now by donating to the 2017 Homeless Connect event.

The Homeless Connect event on Thursday 25 May provides an opportunity for those who do not have safe, secure and affordable housing to attend a day where different services and agencies are on hand to provide help and basic essentials.

Rockhampton Regional Council’s Community Services Committee Chair Councillor Rose Swadling knows there are too many people across our Region who struggle.

“Homelessness and isolation can happen to anyone – people’s circumstances can change in an instant and they can be left experiencing financial or health difficulties, feeling lost or vulnerable, and desperately needing a helping hand,” Cr Swadling said.

“Our recent flood could be one very example where houses have been damaged or clothing has been destroyed, and they simply need that little extra to keep them going.”

Cr Swadling said people have been very generous in the past and was encouraging everyone to get behind the event by donating a range of items again this year.

“Each year, our community gets right behind this worthy event, and we’re asking everyone to dig deep again, particularly with items that we often take for granted such as non-perishable food items and ring-pull cans,” she said.

“Our volunteer knitters have been busy creating all types of woollen items and we have many businesses who are donating their services on the day, so everyone is doing their bit and being enormously charitable to help those who need it most.”

Any resident who is able to donate items can drop them off at Rockhampton Regional Council’s School of Arts Building on Bolsover Street, Rockhampton.

Items most needed:

  • Non-perishable food items such as ring-pull canned food
  • Personal hygiene products, roll-on deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste
  • Blankets and throws
  • Clean men’s, women’s and children’s clothing in neat condition
  • Insect repellent – non-aerosol

For further information, please contact Council on 4936 8569.

Rockhampton Regional Council, along with Government, business and community sector agencies are working together to help make a difference in people’s lives.