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Community

18 December, 2020

Tis the season to be giving

LOCAL food charity, Rosie’s are seeking donations of ‘little luxuries’ as well as essentials for their Christmas day lunch which provides celebration and community for those who are not in a position to provide for themselves.

By Nicole Gibson

Tis the season to be giving - feature photo

The organisation which operates three nights a week providing a food service to homeless and disadvantaged locals is expecting to cater for around 50 people at its Barlow Park location this year.

Community coordinator Werner Rossbach said the idea behind the service was not just about feeding people but also connection.

“The whole idea is not just about the feeding, that is an aspect of it but for people when they are down on their luck what they’re really looking for is somebody to connect with,” he said.

“Fellows that are in the same area and at least they can have a chat and we afford them the opportunity to bring them together and that’s why we are called friends on the street.”

Rosie’s patron, former chef, Simon has been using the service on and off for about five years now after a bush walking accident left him an amputee.

Unable able to get work as a result, Simon’s life took a downward spiral which saw him become homeless.

He said the Rosie’s crew were fantastic and provided an invaluable service to him.

“It’s good to know that someone’s there to help out,” Simon said.

“You’ve got a meal at night and they give you enough to have a meal the next morning, they help you out with hygiene packs and blankets and all sorts of things.

While Rosie’s provided a food service Mr Rossbach said it was very important to remember homelessness can happen to anyone so compassion and connection were also a big focus for the organisation.

“It’s all about a bit of empathy and compassion and understanding that any one of us can be where he (Simon) is,” he said.

Donations of ‘little luxuries, toiletries and non-perishable food items can be made by ringing Rosie’s on 0437 719 138. Cash donations can be made at rosies.org.au.

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