Asmir is a barber by trade and a ‘street barber’ by heart in Logan. He kindly and generously offers his time and talent to our many friends on the street. A clean cut is one of the ‘little’ things that makes a world of difference for those who often miss out on what most of us take for granted. Asmir, like many volunteers, and community services, gives his time and gift – in return for a smile – to those in need in the community with Rosies.
We were astonished to receive a generous donation in the mail by one of our friends Sue. Sue had just celebrated her eightieth birthday. Rather than asking for presents for herself she asked her family and friends to make a donation to Rosies Ipswich branch. What a beautiful heart. Her inspiring idea drove much admiration among her companions who generously gave to support their local community. Thank you Sue, friends and family members alike for offering to those less fortunate an early Christmas. You are all wonderful. And Happy Birthday Sue!
Our team on the Gold Coast have clearly noticed an increase in the number of homeless people especially in the last two years. Homelessness can be driven by drugs, alcohol, the lack of affordable housing, mental health issues… “It’s just a huge problem’’, Rosies Gold Coast branch coordinator Wendy recently declared at a number of key events. We are very thankful for the support we receive from the community including local partners such as LJ Hooker who nominated Rosies for the second consecutive year at their Gold Coast Turf Club’s Stakes Day. Thank you!
Handmade items made by the employment agency Workways’ ‘Work for the Dole’ clients were handed over to our Rosies Cairns coordinator, Lyall. This is an amazing example of a great synergy between individuals and organisations. The satisfaction in giving back to the community thrilled many of those who made the items and learned new skills at the same time. Everything has been well used and distributed to our many friends on the street in Far North Queensland.
St Eugene Catholic College in Burpengary takes part in our Student Engagement Program. Alisha, one of the students involved, describes it as a life changing experience. The school has been involved with Rosies for the past ten years. It is an eye-opener for many students. They realise the power of listening to people while sharing a cuppa and a bite to eat.
“Prior to arriving at the location where the Rosies Van is set up, I was extremely nervous and I didn’t know what to expect. When we arrived, I felt intimidated at first, but once we started to interact with our friends on the street, you realise that they are just normal people just like you and me. Hearing some of the patron’s stories was really heartbreaking and challenging, and it’s very upsetting knowing that this goes on without any of us knowing about it”.
Rosies has been outreaching in Annerley since September. We welcomed our first friends at our new outreach on the very first night (pictured). The branch now outreaches in our capital every day of the week in different locations thanks to the support and engagement of the local community. The Annerley team goes out on Tuesday from 7.00pm-9.00pm at Mary Immaculate Church Annerley and on Thursday morning from 9.00am-11.00am at the Church of Christ Annerley. The remaining days our Brisbane team meet at Emma Miller place in the city from 7.30pm-9.30pm (7.00pm – 9.00pm on Sunday).
In our previous edition we introduced Lisa, our new branch coordinator in Beenleigh, who recently helped move us to a new outreach room. Rosies volunteers are working hard to improve our local street van outreach services to those in need. Thanks to their efforts they are doubling the number of patrons they support. The word is definitely getting out there. The branch also teamed up with the team in Logan for a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle to support both branches. Awesome work guys!
The team meets with young people on Fridays from 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a cuppa, bite to eat, and a chat with our wonderful volunteers. The branch recently trialled an outreach at a new location with the local PCYC. While there were some benefits the team and the PCYC decided that they could best deliver the Rosies mission at the skate park. See us at the skate park.
Our annual ‘Christmas in July’ gathering was held once again for one and all to enjoy. Tables were loaded with blankets and warm clothing (socks, beanies, scarves, jackets etc), hygiene items, dry goods and hot food, soup, pizza, and garlic bread. With about 55 patrons and a number of Rosies’ volunteers in support, a busy time of eating and chatting to old friends and new chums alike. The supply of blankets, beanies and scarves exceeded demand – the balance being repacked and distributed to others in need via The Downs and West Charity group whom Rosies have supported on previous occasions. These items were passed on to Sister Christine just in time for her planned visit to Aboriginal communities in Central Queensland. Those outreach missions were in urgent need of warm clothing for the frosty inland winter. A huge thank you to the local community for their overwhelming support.
Find out more about our branches.
Rosies Toowoomba branch receive wonderful community support including being generously assisted by the South Toowoomba Apex Club. Each month they cook a BBQ for the Sunday outreach with the Club members providing all food and delicious home cooked treats for the enjoyment of our many friends. Recently the Rosies branch was presented with a cheque for $500 from the Apex Club to be used to purchase a fridge/ freezer for the safe storage of food while at outreaches. The President of Apex Georgia Soutar presented the cheque to Annette and Fay (Toowoomba Coordinating Team) at the Apex Changeover Ball. We sincerely thank Apex for their continued support and generous gift.
Find out more about our Toowoomba branch
