The Kenmore community has come together to deliver hampers filled with food, toys, and essential items to families and individuals in need across South East Queensland, reaching areas as far as Toowoomba, Lowood, and South Brisbane.
Another Win for Kenmore’s Superstar Volunteers
Every year, Kenmore Rotary collects a range of food and packages it into Christmas hampers to distribute to those who would greatly appreciate it via a network of charities. This year, Ricky Haberfield and her team of volunteering superstars put together 63 hampers.
The Giving Tree, proudly supported by Helloworld Travel in Kenmore Village and the management of Kenmore Village Shopping Centre, along with the collection box, accrued several hundred items from generous local shoppers.
The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP) was one of the beneficiaries of Kenmore Rotary’s work. Vinnies also received significant contributions from OLR Parishioners, OLR School, Brookfield State School, and Ray White Metrowest. This combined effort enabled Vinnies to distribute a wide range of hampers and goods this Christmas.
Michael Fitzgerald, President of The St Vincent de Paul Society Qld (Our Lady of the Rosary Kenmore Conference), shared that the support had a significant impact on families and individuals in need. Mercy at Lowood expressed their appreciation, noting that hampers and vouchers had been provided to companions in the Lowood area and surrounding towns, where support is often limited.
Ipswich Accommodation Services also highlighted the gratitude of families in their Crisis Accommodation program, thanking the Kenmore Parish and Conference for reaching out once again during the festive season.
One recipient, a companion living with three children in the Parish area, expressed heartfelt thanks, saying the gifts brought complete joy to her family. She shared that the kindness of the donations arrived at a time when they needed it most, offering both relief and happiness during the challenging Christmas period.
Support Across Regions
The SVDP OLR Kenmore Hamper Appeal, completed on 11 December, successfully delivered hampers and support to multiple groups, including the Inala Family Support Centre, Mercy Centre in Lowood, Ipswich SVDP Family Centre, and Emmanuel City Mission for the homeless in South Brisbane. Families in the Toowoomba and Roma regions also received support through hampers and gift cards.
These hampers contained baby goods, pantry items, clothing, toys, books, and gift cards. In addition, donations of cash enabled further support for those experiencing financial hardship during the holiday season.
Generous Community Efforts
The appeal was made possible through donations from the OLR parish and school families, Kenmore Rotary, Brookfield Primary School, and Ray White. Their combined efforts ensured hundreds of families and individuals could access much-needed supplies. Volunteers from the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP) played a crucial role in organising and delivering the hampers.
Volunteers shared stories of gratitude from recipients, with many families expressing amazement and joy upon receiving the hampers. Some volunteers noted the emotional responses during deliveries, reflecting the impact of the community’s support.
Spreading Hope and Support
The hamper appeal provided material support and brought the community together in a shared effort to help those less fortunate. The initiative reached a wide range of people, from local families to homeless individuals, who needed assistance.
The OLR Kenmore Hamper Appeal serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together. Thanks to the dedication of local families, schools, and organisations, the appeal delivered practical support and a message of care and compassion to those in need this holiday season.
Published 17-Dec-2024