Canberra winters can get pretty cold especially for those living rough on the streets in our nation’s capital.
Red Cross Roadhouse is a blessing for those community members, who may be experiencing homelessness or social hardship.
The Red Cross Roadhouse in Canberra is a friendly, safe space for people to enjoy a free nutritious meal and receive support with a 'drop in' service on Monday and Wednesday afternoons to allow additional time to talk to staff or attend referral and information sessions.
It didn’t take long for Raiders Gungahlin to recognise how important this community service was, and decided they could contribute to the cause, donating 80 meals a week to the Red Cross Roadhouse.
Through this connection, the Canberra Raiders were then able to donate some winter woollies to community members most in need, through the quick-thinking of Stephen Trump, Client Engagement Manager at Red Cross who contacted the Club.
He recognised that whenever a Raiders jacket or jumper popped up in donations, it was quickly snapped up by the first community member to see it.
“COVID-19 is an incredibly challenging time for everyone, but in times like this communities can come together to help each other out," Mr Trump said. "We are incredibly grateful for Canberra Raiders players kind humanitarian gesture, donating their jackets and jumpers to keep the community warm and help those facing homelessness.”
Canberra Raiders players and staff donated Raiders kit to the cause and the bags filled up quickly over the week. It was great to see the team effort, knowing that it was going to a worthy community cause.
Sarah Williams, Community Program and Support Manager at the Canberra Raiders, was pleased to see the Canberra community coming together.
“The Canberra community is close-knit and due to the current challenging restrictions, it’s wonderful that we are able to support the community in different ways to ensure we still have that connection to those people who need a helping hand," Williams said.
The Red Cross Roadhouse is located on the Ground Floor, Griffin Centre, 20 Genge Street, Canberra ACT 2601.
To make a donation to Red Cross’ life changing work visit redcross.org.au.
