Australian charity, the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), has provided vital support to emergency services personnel who worked tirelessly to battle the devastating Notre Dame Cathedral fire this week.  

The RRT distributed more than 600 meals, including brioche and soup, to French emergency services personnel, including firemen and policemen.

French RRT volunteers, led by their Team Leader, Bernard Bosquier, have continued to support crews on the ground from their marquee positioned in front of the devastated Cathedral.

The RRT, an initiative of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, is staffed by Church volunteers who provide catering services during a range of charitable events and emergencies.

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church established the RRT in Australia in 2013 to express the Church’s principles of care and compassion, which the charitable organisation now shares throughout the world.

Lloyd Grimshaw from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church said the RRT is always looking to support to those in need.

“It was with profound sadness that we all watched with the world, in real time, the tragic destruction of this historic landmark Cathedral,” Mr Grimshaw said.

“Being an Aussie Christian charity, it is within our hearts to always reach out a hand to mates in need – so we did what we could to assist the first responders, who have since worked around the clock.

“The meals we served were just a modest gesture in show of our support to the French emergency services.

“And while the clean-up has only just begun, we have no doubt that Notre Dame will be fully rebuilt and restored to its former glory,” he said.

Every day in some small way, RRT volunteers offer a helping hand to those in need. For more information about the Rapid Relief Team, go to https://www.rapidreliefteam.org/