Volunteer Leader Lester Sharples from the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) joined ABC Capricornia to discuss what the RRT has been up to in Central Queensland, Southern Queensland and Cairns.

Over the past few weeks, Food Boxes to nearly ten families have been hand-delivered by RRT volunteers in the Rockhampton, Bundaberg and greater Central Queensland, part of the 675 boxes delivered across the entire state.

In one instance, husband and wife RRT volunteers, Ian and Marg Bowder, drove a 650km 6.5 hour round trip from Bundaberg to Rockhampton to ensure a family of nine received their much-needed Food Boxes.

RRT volunteer, Marg Bowder, said, “When a request was sent out for someone to do Food Box drops to Rockhampton, we thought it was a great opportunity to help families in self-isolation.”

“The family’s appreciation for our delivery showed on the beaming faces of the children we delivered the RRT Food Boxes to – they were just so thankful,” she said.

As announced in March this year, RRT partnered up with the Queensland Government to deliver thousands of donated Food Boxes to families across the state.

The boxes provide food to those who may be struggling or otherwise unable to leave their home, with most recipients unemployed workers, the elderly, those who are in self-quarantine, and families suffering domestic violence.

Thousands of Food Boxes continue to be safely packed exclusively by RRT volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC), to be delivered to individuals and families all across NSW.

RRT Managing Director Ron Arkcoll said Brethren values of care and compassion were at the core of RRT’s outreach programs and said their goal was to deliver each food box within a 24-hour window, where possible, once the registration was received. 

“COVID-19 continues to force us all to reconsider how we go about our daily lives; and so, while we’re currently not able to cook our usual RRT BBQ, we can deliver food to those in need,” he said. 

“We’re asking the people of Queensland – if you are in need – perhaps you’re elderly, currently without work, or in self-quarantine – please reach out and register for a free box. 

“Already 675 boxes have been delivered in Queensland, including 7 in Central Queensland, and the process is very simple – to register for a food box, call 1300 HEALTH.

“Lastly, I want to again reiterate my thanks to the Queensland Government for their continued support,” he said.

If you live in Queensland and need support, please call 1300 HEALTH, so help can be organised.