“It gets you down in the dumps. I can understand why people are struggling because it is getting harder and harder every day when you don’t have a job that you are secure in.”
Raceview local Simone Lowe has started a Facebook page and a GoFundMe page to help the Ipswich Food Barn raise funds to get Christmas Blessing Packs started at the Ipswich Food Barn.
The Christmas Blessing Packs will contain personal items such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, long life food and thongs.
The Ipswich Food Barn and The Lion and Lamb Community Centre is a not for profit charity at 1 Darling Street East, Woodend. They welcome anyone who is struggling to come in and grab a feed, hot drink, have a chat or buy a cheap food hamper.
And this Christmas is proving extra tough for many.
Ipswich Food Barn director Jessica Rupchich says they are really stuggling to keep up with increased demand.
“We are getting 10-15 new people through the doors every day,” she said.
“It’s not just homeless that we help, we are starting to see ex-workers from the meatworks and Steggles come through. We want to help anyone who is struggling.
“We have even had to put in our own money to try and make sure we have meals.”
Simone Lowe is currently doing work for the dole at the Ipswich Food Barn two days a week.
“They rely on donations from a few companies and other charities such as OzHarvest,” she said.
“But since I started 7 weeks ago, I have been watching the deliveries getting smaller and smaller.
“Last Friday they had to close early because they had a shortage of food.”
Simone knows what it is like to struggle. Despite not having a job herself, she wants to help raise awareness that this service needs the help of the Ipswich community.
“I want to give back because I am getting help. I wanted to give back. We’ve got to help the people who are out there helping these people,” she said.
Simone is trying to get back into the workforce after being a stay at home mum. She has two children Jai, 21 and Tahlia 11.
She has been given help by the Salvation Army but is still finding it difficult to secure work.
“I’ll do any job. I’ve tried K-Mart, Big W, Target, Brother’s, Jets.
“I have done Cert 2 in Business Admin, Cert 3 in hospitality, I’ve go my RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) and RSG (Responsible Service of Gambling).
“I just want something that gets me out there and working. I don’t want to be on Centrelink,” she said.
If you are able to help, you can make a donation to help get the Christmas Blessing Parks started on the GoFundMe page here.
(Above) Facebook post
(Below) GoFundMe page
Also, you can jump onto their Facebook page here and help spread the word by sharing their post.
Any donation of food, clothing and money will be accepted at the Ipswich Food Barn.
