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Compassion in action

Stephanie Bell presented food and toiletry supplies donated by the Walloon School community to Rosies Ipswich Coordinator Barry Rienecker watched on by Casey Seaton from Scripture Union Qld.

WHEN you have a drive to help others and make the world a better place to live in, particularly for those who are homeless it is no surprise when that person does make a difference.

The surprise is that this time it is not an adult making a difference but a Year 6 student from Walloon State School.

Stephanie Bell is described by the school chaplain, Rebecca Hewett, as a compassionate young lady who will change the world, one project at a time.

“Stephanie is kind and softly spoken, Stephanie has a passion to make the world a better place and loves to help others, particularly those who are less fortunate. […]

“She wanted to run a compassion project in the school, asking the school community to donate basic items such as toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorant, noodle and soup cups and biscuits.”

Rebecca said the project was well supported by the school community with two baskets of toiletries and groceries collected.

“Stephanie  was able to present the items to Barry, from Rosies – Friends on the Street, who was very thankful for the items and that Stephanie has made this happen.”

Courtesy Moreton Border News August 25 2017

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Raising Awareness about Homelessness

August started with Homelessness Week; an opportunity for Rosies to raise awareness about Homelessness. There are currently 105 237 people homeless in Australia according to the latest figures from Homelessness Australia. The majority of these people do not sleep rough, but are rather referred to as ‘hidden homeless’ people and range in age and demographics. There are children, teenagers, parents and grandparents. As part of the weeklong event Rosies seized the opportunity to engage with local communities.

On the Sunshine Coast Rosies took part in the Annual Homeless Connect at Nambour. The team interacted with the crowd informing people about how Rosies extends friendship to the community.

Many initiatives were  sparked from schools across Queensland to support Rosies and our many friends on the street. In Cairns St Mary’s Catholic College collected instant noodles cups and blankets, while our local coordinator Lyall engaged with students at the James Cook University – Volunteer & Study Abroad Expo.

In Brisbane our coordinator Sarah visited Lourdes Hills and San Sisto colleges both raising awareness about the issue related to homelessness and holding donation drives for the Brisbane branch.

In Burpengary St Eugene College held a very successful sleepout. “This year I have had the opportunity to be part of Rosies –Friends on the Street [Student Engagement] Program at Caboolture, this has certainly raised my awareness to the difficulties that come with being homeless” said Yr 12 Vice – Captain Ailish Roston.

Meanwhile, the Molloy Movers from St Columban’s College hosted their first Donation Day. For every item donated, students and staff received a token that could be traded in for a cup of hot pumpkin or tomato soup cooked by the students themselves. Thank you to all the participants.

Rosies Gold Coast had an early Christmas as our team received a beautiful new bench generously offered by JAL Joinery Pty Ltd. The bench replaced our old bench on which we serve our patrons. It is a lot nicer and far more welcoming now.

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