ORDER of Malta Volunteer Caroline Grogan felt “close to Christ through supporting people in need” as she and 19 other volunteers spent their Anzac Day providing food and support kits to Brisbane’s homeless and vulnerable.
The Order of Malta Volunteers teamed up with Emmanuel City Mission, Toombul Family Dental and the Norman Hotel.
Miss Grogan said it was a “very heart-warming communal experience”.
She said the day resonated with Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:30, “My yolk is easy and my burden is light”.
“It felt good when one man came after and politely asked for a container to take food, dental and hygiene packs back to someone in his shelter who couldn’t physically come to the ECM building,” she said.
In total, the volunteers served more than 150 meals, including a gourmet sausage sizzle provided by the Norman Hotel.
The team also handed out more than 100 oral health care kits.
Bella Verity and the Toombul Family Dental team sourced and individually packaged 200 oral health care kits when they had heard about a need for increased oral health care for Brisbane’s homeless and vulnerable people.
The remaining kits would be distributed through ECM’s daily ministry.
The importance of Anzac Day was front and centre during the food service too.
A 2020 study published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues revealed 5,800 defence veterans were homeless over a 12-month period in Australia.
The study showed veterans had higher rates of homelessness than the general population.
“When you think of how much the Anzacs gave, some even giving the ultimate sacrifice, I think it is important to give back – ‘there but for the grace of God goes I’,” Miss Grogan said.
“Nothing we have is really ours; it is all from God so should be shared freely to all of His children.
“Covid’s shown how we shouldn’t take anything for granted.”
Miss Grogan said the homeless and vulnerable people who come to ECM cared for the place “like it’s their home”.
She said many attendees helped to set-up, pack-up and clean at the end.
To learn more about the Emmanuel City Mission Sanctuary for Homeless and Vulnerable: https://emmanuelcitymission.com
If you are interested in getting involved with the Order of Malta Volunteers, please register your interest: https://www.orderofmalta.org.au/i-want-to-help/volunteer/
