What’s happening?
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland members and volunteers packed Christmas hampers for Rockhampton families doing it tough on Wednesday, 17 December.
The annual hamper drive saw volunteers roll up their sleeves to prepare festive food and children’s toys for local families experiencing financial stress.
The effort was led by members of the St Camillus Conference, who also operate the Vinnies Support Centre on Alma Street in Rockhampton.
Why it matters
As the cost-of-living crisis continues, Christmas has become a stressful time for many households.
Families are increasingly forced to choose between paying rent, covering bills, buying groceries, or making sure their children receive a gift on Christmas morning.
The Christmas hamper drive helps reduce that pressure during the most expensive time of the year.
President of the St Camillus Conference, Barbara Cavanagh, said the need in the community remains strong.
“Well, you know that there really are people out there that are doing it tough,” she said.
She shared a recent example of a local family seeking help.
“I got a phone call the other day from a mum who’s living in Perthshire Gardens with two little kids and the baby is eight months old. You know, if we can’t help them, there’s something wrong.”
Local impact
Around 150 Christmas hampers were packed in Rockhampton as part of the drive.
The hampers will be collected by families after 11 am on the day and the following morning.
Most of the goods inside the hampers were donated, with some items purchased to ensure families receive complete support.
Ms Cavanagh said local volunteers play a vital role, despite many being older members of the community.
“We’ve got to a stage where most of us are over 70. Some of our helpers today aren’t, but most of us that do the main work are over 70 and we just can’t deliver anymore,” she said.
As a result, families collect their hampers directly from the centre.
By the numbers
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Across Rockhampton, the Society provided emergency accommodation, food assistance, and access to support programs to 40,629 vulnerable people.
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Last year, the Society hand-delivered 5,776 Christmas hampers across Queensland during the festive season.
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The Rockhampton effort is supported by 253 members and 579 volunteers, alongside generous community donors.
Zoom in
Ms Cavanagh said the Christmas Appeal shows the impact of community support.
“Watching our volunteers come together to pack these hampers is truly inspiring. Everyone gives their time because they want to make a real difference in someone’s Christmas,” she said.
“The joy these hampers bring to families makes every hour of preparation worthwhile.”
She said volunteer support comes from across the region.
“We get people from the Catholic Education Office. We get people from Ergon because they get a volunteer day a year. People from Stanmore came and helped us the other day,” she said.
Volunteers on the day
Volunteers involved in packing the Christmas hampers included:
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Ayla Johnson, Customer Operations Officer, Ergon
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Ruth Willis, Customer Operations Officer, Ergon
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Belinda Chao, High Loads Officer
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Tricia Smith, volunteer, Catholic Education Office
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Louise Blanchfield, volunteer, St Vincent de Paul
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Kristen Honeyball, volunteer, St Vincent de Paul and Catholic Education
Zoom out
The Rockhampton hamper drive forms part of St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland’s statewide response to rising financial pressure on families.
Despite applications closing, enquiries continue from people seeking assistance.
“If you can tell me your story, we’ve certainly got spare food,” Ms Cavanagh said.
What to look for next?
Community members can continue supporting families in need through donations.
To donate, visit vinnies.org.au/donate or call 13 18 12.
