MBRIT to help vulnerable families this Christmas

Staff from Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism (MBRIT) are helping spread Christmas cheer, collecting donations for the Redcliffe Community Care’s annual Community Christmas Appeal.

The team is collecting essential pantry items and Christmas goodies which will be distributed to vulnerable families and individuals who are struggling to make ends meet, are homeless, or in crisis, so they too can enjoy the holiday season.

It is estimated more than 500 hampers will be distributed this year by the network, which is made up of several services including The Breakfast Club, The Salvation Army, Encircle, Redcliffe Uniting Church, City of Moreton Bay, Band of Brothers, Redcliffe Mums Inc, Emerge Church and Peace Christian Church.

MBRIT Chief Executive Officer Natassia Wheeler says it’s a wonderful feeling knowing the organisation can make a difference in the lives of so many people.

“MBRIT is dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels supported and cared for, especially during the holiday season. Joining hands with The Breakfast Club, our team is contributing non-perishable food items to assist in creating 500 food hampers, spreading warmth and kindness to those less fortunate,” Natassia says.

“The Breakfast Club's unwavering dedication to providing for our community each year is truly commendable.

“We urge everyone to join us in contributing where they can. Let's come together to make a difference and spread hope this Christmas season.”

How you can help

With a large number of people seeking assistance this year due to the cost-of-living crisis, The Breakfast Club's Michelle Gilchrist is calling on local businesses, schools and sporting clubs to donate food and gifts.

Michelle estimates the amount of food needed will equate to about $25,000, which is not possible without support.

“This has been a really hard year for a lot of people, and I don’t think it is going to get any better,” Michelle says.

“Given the amount of needy people this year, we do need those larger businesses and schools to come on board, that way everyone can donate a few items that will go towards to a larger collection.”

Non-perishable items needed include tinned stews and soups, tinned fruit and vegetables, cereal, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, long life milk, long life custard, spreads such as Vegemite, peanut butter and jam, pancake mix, cake mixes, jellies, cordial, biscuits, soft drinks, nuts, lollies, chips and mince puddings.

In addition to food items, people can also donate toys, games and books that will be given to children who might otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas Day.

Donations are needed for boys and girls aged from babies up to 18 years of age.

Food donations can be dropped off at The Breakfast Club (34 Cornelius St, Clontarf) every Tuesday and Thursday between 9am-1.30pm, as well as on Sundays from 3-5pm.

Toy donations can be taken to The Salvation Army (64-72 Ashmole Rd, Kippa-Ring) every Tuesday and Friday between 9am-12pm.

All donations need to be dropped off before Wednesday, December 13.

Read more about the appeal here.