Meet Kim

An interview with Kim Ametoglou
By Cairns Branch Coordinator Eunice Winship

Our beautiful Kim, registered to become a Rosies Volunteer. I met her face-to-face at the Hub for volunteer induction. She shared her story very briefly why she joined Rosies. This is Kim’s story shared with her permission.  

L to r: Deputy Branch Coordinator Peter and the newly inducted volunteers; Michelle, Loretta, Lizzie, Terri, Maricon, Jayzel & Kim

Kim, why Rosies? 

I am here tonight, at induction because I knew God wanted me to be here, and I wanted to be here, to support the ministry (Rosies) that helped me during my darkest time.

Because of domestic violence I had to flee my home with my small son and came to Rosie for 6 months on and off.  Rosies provided not only a hot meal, but comfort on those cold nights.

While sleeping in my car for 6 months with my son, I found myself so disconnected from the real world and the gap was growing bigger and bigger. And I thought that if I didn’t make it back into the real world everything would collapse for me. Homelessness is the most humiliating, isolating and challenging experience – and you feel there is no way out.

 Prior to becoming homeless, I had a very successful beauty salon, and this was a career change after working for the Australian Defence Force in the Intelligence Agency for a few years.

My ex-husband is now in prison, so I feel safe and know my son is safe too.

I found Christ in the process, got baptised and my son and I attend church every week.

Currently I am the Regional Area Manager for Coles on the Tablelands. I manage four different sites. 

I am excited about being a Rosie Volunteer, so I can give back to the organisation that helped me and my son, and to help those who are homeless and struggling in our community.

Rosies Cairns is so grateful that Kim has joined our volunteer team. Her lived experience will bring an extra level of connection to our patrons.