Our secretary Shane received an email in October 2019 from Kerry Harley of Signal Flare a charity which helps the homeless and others in need through involving the community. A simple request to borrow some tables and chairs. We have helped previously and welcomed the chance to once again help out providing the tables and chairs for the BBQ.
Kerry was organising a Christmas event to help the homeless on 8/12/2019 at Musgrave Park. The event was a success and the photos have been provided by Kerry.
You may not know of Signal Flare so here is a little bit about this charity. Signal Flare was founded by Grant Richards, Grant the Polite Guy, who himself was homeless for one and a half years when he started the BBQs. They organise a minimum of four BBQs per year around the greater Brisbane area. At these BBQs everyone shares a free BBQ lunch and our guests also receive much-needed basics such as clothes, shoes, toiletries, non-perishable foods and children’s toys for free. These are all donated by the community. At these events they regularly offer free haircuts, job search workshops, and employment opportunities with employers who volunteer at these BBQs. Their main goals are:
- To promote equality and social inclusion;
- To restore self-worth and dignity for people who hit hard times;
- To make life’s basics such as food, clothes, shoes, toiletries, children’s toys, blankets etc accessible to those who can’t afford them;
- To offer free haircuts; and
- Give Christmas presents to children who otherwise would not have any.
People from all walks of life come together and find connection and friendship at these BBQs.
ABC Australian Story interviewed Gregory Smith patron of Signal Flare at this BBQ. The story went to air on Monday following the BBQ. Gregory was himself homeless for 25 years, a decade of which was in the bush.
For more about this charity visit http://www.signalflare.org.au/
