Residents dig deep for families in need

More than 400 food hampers have been distributed to vulnerable families and individuals across the Redcliffe Peninsula and Rothwell this week following an overwhelming response to this year’s Community Christmas Appeal.

Many businesses, schools, groups and individuals jumped at the chance to support the appeal, collecting more than double the number of donations from the previous year.

The appeal was run by the Redcliffe Community Care Network, which is made up of several services including The Breakfast Club, The Salvation Army, Encircle, Redcliffe Uniting Church, City of Moreton Bay, Band of Brothers, Redcliffe Mums Inc, Emerge Church and Peace Christian Church.

During a community packing day on Friday, Michelle Gilchrist from The Breakfast Club said she was thankful for the community’s support.

“This time last year when we were packing the hampers we had to go out and buy extra food, but this year the donations we received have been massive,” Michelle said.

“We were able to fill up all the registered hampers and still have some items left over for people here on the peninsula who might need a helping hand just before Christmas.

“We don’t want anyone going hungry, so if you are in need come and see The Breakfast Club this Thursday and we will be able to help.”

In addition to food donations, Samantha Cuthbertson from The Salvation Army said they were also inundated with toys to give to needy children.

“I would say we had more than double the number of toys we received last year,” Samantha said.

“We are so thankful to everyone for getting behind us and supporting the appeal because we can’t do it by ourselves – this is very much a community project.”

A number of volunteers from various businesses and organisations outside the Redcliffe Community Care Network gave up their time to help put the hampers together. These included representatives from Big W, Trending Media Australia, ROPE, Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism, Kerri-Anne Dooley, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli and other kind-hearted community members.

To see more photos, click through the gallery below. 

Reach out 

If you or someone you know needs assistance, visit The Breakfast Club's website or drop in and see them at Clontarf Community Hall, 34 Cornelius St, Clontarf.