Community spirit shines as thousands join Care Army
Over 20,000 Queenslanders have taken up the call to action to rally around Queensland’s seniors, with nearly 2,000 locals from across the Moreton Bay region signing up to join the ‘Care Army’ in less than a week.
Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd says that the surge in sign-ups is a showing of our community spirit shining through in tough times.
Last week, Ms Boyd called on locals to join the ‘Care Army’ of professionals and volunteers who will rally around Queensland’s seniors to help ensure the wellbeing of older people during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s so heartening to see so many members of our wonderful community signing up to help those who need it the most,” says Ms Boyd.
Member for Kurwongbah Shane King says that many seniors would be supported by family, but others will need volunteers and community service organisations to help them.
“We want seniors to stay home and stay safe – that’s where the Care Army comes in to help with things such as food or medicine drops. Even something as simple as a daily phone call can make a huge difference,” says Mr King.
“I urge anyone who is willing and able to sign up to join the Care Army.
“If you don’t have family or friends in this age group who you can help, we need you to step up and help those people who will be looking for it and you can do that by going to emergencyvolunteering.com.au or registering your interest as a volunteer at [email protected]
Over the next week Queensland Government will be working with non-government organisations (NGOs) across the state to make sure they get allocated the volunteers they need at this time.
The first group of NGOs will be those with extensive experience supporting our seniors – including Meals on Wheels, seniors isolation services, neighbourhood and community centres, and the Queensland Community Support Scheme
“In our wonderful community, we work together to get through tough times. Let’s stay safe, stay well and look after one another,” says Mr King.
ENDS
To register your interest as a volunteer: [email protected] or visit www.emergencyvolunteering.com.au