Meet supporters, Ann & Barry
At Emmanuel City Mission we are so lucky to be surrounded by a village of supporters who care deeply for our mission. We recently chatted with some of our amazing regular supporters, Ann and Barry to hear about why they give monthly. Here is what they had to say.
Please tell us a little bit about yourselves.
Ann is a retired teacher and I am a retired mining engineer. We have two children, Matthew, also an engineer, and Andrew. We have been fortunate to live a great life which included a stint working in Argentina and have always felt we should be giving something back to our communities. Our parents provided good examples having been participants in community work. We have been involved with schools and sporting organisations during our children’s younger years. We have volunteered in the various Catholic parishes where we have lived, and also through Rotary International.
How long have you been regular givers at Emmanuel City Mission?
Two and a half years - we started giving in February 2020.
How did you first hear about the work Emmanuel City Mission does?
Roby and Mick came to Our Lady of the Rosary parish Kenmore and outlined the work of Emmanuel City Mission (or Blind Eye Ministries as it was then).
Why did you decide to give regularly to Emmanuel City Mission?
The objectives of Emmanuel City Mission struck a chord with us alongside Roby’s enthusiasm. After mass we spoke with Roby and Mick and my wife and I agreed it would be great to assist an organisation with such direct and positive impact on those in need.
What do you love about the services provided by Emmanuel City Mission?
The services of Emmanuel City Mission are positive, practical and have direct impact on the most vulnerable in our society. Also the sense of kindness and safety which our most vulnerable need.
Not only have I visited Emmanuel City Mission – since October 2021 I am now a regular volunteer. Following a call from Rita (Roby’s mum) I decided to act on a previous discussion I had with my wife Ann about also contributing in a practical and direct way, not just financially. Ann encouraged me to get involved – I think she wanted a few hours each week with me out of her hair! Ann spent some time helping out over the 2021 Christmas period at Emmanuel City Mission. It was an eye-opener for her. The first impression was of being welcomed and then followed by the taking in of the magnitude of the services being provided. Since then, I have been pleased to be embraced by the Tuesday team and formed new friendships.
If you were telling your friends about Emmanuel City Mission, what would you say?
Emmanuel City Mission is living proof of the needs of many in our society and to see daily support for them is wonderful. The fact that so many return regularly shows that Emmanuel City Mission is hitting the mark with a warm welcome and kindness. Another important aspect is that donating and/or volunteering is not a one-way street. We all get something out of it. These include a better understanding of the issues people face and how they respond provides us with a sense of calmness and fulfillment to face our own challenges.
Why do you think supporting a cause like Emmanuel City Mission regularly and ongoing is so important?
The issues our visitors face are increasing. Affordable housing is a major problem among a host of others. A key objective of Emmanuel City Mission is providing a haven where people can relax, feel safe, have a meal, a shower and wash their clothes. These are basic needs that every person should have met routinely, and we rely on ongoing donations to guarantee we can maintain, and hopefully expand, the hours and services that are so essential – vulnerability is 24/7 and our aim is to ultimately provide all day, every day sanctuary. Of all the organisations my family supports Emmanuel City Mission ranks up there because of the direct and positive impact on the vulnerable people of Brisbane.
If you would like to become a regular giver or find out more about how you can support please get in touch today by calling Mick on 0418 719 672 or click here to set up your monthly regular gift.