Christmas is a time of giving, and the 40 volunteers who packed food hampers for struggling families and toys for children on Saturday were a true picture of harmony and giving, says Mohammed Ali, founder of Helping ACT.
The charity provides food security to the vulnerable: refugees and asylum seekers, homeless people, international students, and anyone else in need.
This was the fourth year Helping ACT donated food hampers and toys to people in need.
At the Link – Ginninderry Community and Information Centre on Saturday, the volunteers packed 200 Christmas and end of year holidays food hampers for homeless and struggling families, and wrapped 150 toys for the Smith Family and children of poor families.
Eighty-nine food hampers were donated to the Early Morning Centre for their homeless Christmas party this week; and 20 to the Dignity and Desire Street Pantry, Ngunnawal. Havelock Housing, the Ainslie Community Pantry, and families will receive their hampers on Thursday.
Newly arrived Afghan refugees received long-life food hampers and toys.
“I am proud they chose Canberra as their city,” Mr Ali said. “Given Canberra is a Welcoming City, Helping ACT and its supporters welcome them and will do all needed to settle them.”
The volunteers included local and federal politicians, members of community organisations, newly arrived Afghan families, and staff of the Ginninderry Developers Group.
“For me, Saturday’s experience was overwhelming,” Mr Ali said. “Everyone observed humanity in action – grassroots people giving their time to send love to grassroots people.”
He thanked all the supporters of Helping ACT who made the event possible.
“It was a dream come true seeing so much support coming. Thank you, friends.”
Labor politicians Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, and Dr Andrew Leigh, Federal Member for Fenner, were present, while Suzanne Orr MLA gave a lot of food items for hampers.
“This humbling event was yet another testament to Mohammed Ali and Helping ACT’s care for the community and the tireless contribution they make to help ensure no one goes without,” Ms Cheyne said. “Thanks go to all of the volunteers and to Ginninderry for hosting us at The Link, and to Helping ACT for the incredible work they do, not just at Christmas, but all year round.”
MLAs Leanne Castley and James Milligan were there from the Canberra Liberals.
“Helping ACT do a fantastic job supporting struggling Canberrans, and it was a privilege to play a very small part putting together essential hampers on the weekend for those in need,” Ms Castley said.
“Many Canberrans have done it very tough this year, in particular those most vulnerable in our community, and it is terrific to see people like Mohammed and Helping ACT go above and beyond and give so selflessly.”
Other volunteers included Slabs for Heroes, the Ainslie Community Pantry, the Ngunnawal Street Pantries, the Ginninderry Developers Group, and ABC Canberra.
If you know any family who needs help (long-life food or groceries, or white goods, furniture, settling in) or want to donate to Helping ACT, call Mohammed Ali on 0404 947 260, email [email protected], or online via www.helpingact.org.
