I was recently treated to a tour of King’s Community Care in Reedy Creek, as part of my day job. Shirley Skyes leads this incredible organisation with a steady warmth and enthusiasm that’s contagious. The organisation has helped over 12,000 adults and 6,000 children so far this year, thanks to the passion and hard work of Shirley and her team of 80+ volunteers.
The Reedy Creek facility includes an op shop that actually has op shop prices (no $20 vases here), a furniture shed, food bank, cold room, and several storage and multi-purpose areas.
Parked in a courtyard out the back is a brightly coloured van that acts as a mobile wardrobe, courtesy of Thread Together. This van is full of brand-new clothes and travels around helping homeless people, those escaping domestic violence, recovering from natural disaster, and other vulnerable people in the community.
As we walked into the kitchen area, the volunteers were receiving a delivery of fresh fruit and meat ready to go out to people doing it tough from across the Gold Coast, further north to Brisbane, and south to northern NSW. Shirley remarked that people are coming from further afield to access basics like food and hygiene packs, emphasising the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
There were also several volunteers wrapping Christmas presents ready for the upcoming busy festive season (yes, in September).
Coming up on Monday 29 September from 10am to 1pm is ‘Coolangatta Care Day’, a special event at New Life Church that will bring together local organisations and services to provide practical help, hope, and connection for those who need it most.
Organisations in attendance include Orange Sky Laundry, NewLife Care, Thread Together, Baby Give Back, and City of Gold Coast Disaster and Emergency Management Unit. If you know of someone in need, please encourage them to come along to this free community event.
 | A guest post by
|