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Last week, a single mother arrived at the Helping Hands Van with five hungry children. She was hoping to take home a little extra food to help her family get through the next few days.
Additionally, four middle-aged men told us they hadn't eaten for 48 hours.
Right now, more people than ever are turning to the Helping Hands Van for support.
For 17 years, the Helping Hands Van has set out every Tuesday night on the streets of Ipswich, west of Brisbane, offering groceries, food and drinks, toiletries, and a friendly face for people doing it tough.
Some people may not have a hot meal all week .
And the need is growing.
Last month alone, the Helping Hands Van gave out food to 256 people in our community – the highest number we have ever seen. Attendance at our outreach has grown by more than 30%, and each week, new people arrive looking for support.
What is concerning is we are now seeing:
– more families with children
– older Australians living in their cars
– teenagers sleeping rough with no family or support network to fall back on
Our volunteers are ready to help, but food and cash donations are not keeping pace with the growing demand.
We offer a simple but powerful service:
• Sandwiches
• A warm drink
• Groceries to take home
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Toilet paper and feminine care products
• Sleeping bags, blankets and tents
• A friendly conversation
Helping Hands Van runs entirely on community support.
Everyone involved is a volunteer, which means 100% of every donation goes directly towards helping people in need.
But as more people arrive each week, it's becoming harder to stretch supplies far enough.
This Easter, we're asking friends, businesses, churches, schools and communities across Queensland – and across Australia – to help us meet the growing need.
With your support, this Easter drive will ensure we can continue to help those who have grown to rely on us.
$10 helps feed 1 person
$50 helps feed 5 people
$100 helps feed 10 people
At a time when world events can feel overwhelming, this is one way we can make a real difference close to home – in our own backyard.
This Easter, your support can help ensure that families like the mother and her five children – and many others in our community – have something to eat and know that someone cares.
If you are able to donate, please do so.
And if you can't donate right now, please share this campaign and help us help others.
Together, we can make sure no one in our community goes hungry.
Organizer
