THOUGHTS of suicide, abandonment and social isolation are just some of the heartbreaking issues Rosies Youth Mission volunteers hear every time they hit the streets of Queensland.
The organisation is on a drive to seek donations and to recruit more volunteers to help these people on the streets who are in a spiral of loneliness and isolation.
Australian Defence Force Chief, General Peter Cosgrove, launched Rosies Tapestry Fund, a community foundation established to encourage benefactors to make substantial and ongoing commitments to Rosies, at the Queensland Irish Association in Brisbane on October 22.
About 250 people attended the launch, kicked off with a seed donation from Roy and Mary Jackson, in memory of two of their children, Teresa, a Royal Australian Navy lieutenant, and Greg, a Brisbane media figure, who both committed suicide earlier this year.
Money raised through the fund will help establish a rolling, full-time outreach service supporting its existing mission and developing new youth outreaches in areas of high need, such as Logan City, Caboolture and Townsville.
Donations to the fund are tax deductible and cheques should be made out to Rosies Tapestry Fund.
To volunteer or donate phone Sharon Cremin on 1300 767 437, e-mail admin@rosies.org.au or write to PO Box 3313, Nerang MC, Qld 4211.
