THE Rapid Relief Team Mount Gambier stoked up the barbecue and donned red aprons yesterday morning to say thanks to the volunteers who give their time at the St Vincent de Paul Society charity shop.
The event was held to coincide with National Volunteer Week, which will be celebrated widely across the region.
Established by the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, relief team members were on hand yesterday to cook a free hot breakfast for Vinnies volunteers.
With the team’s motto “ready to serve”, yesterday’s breakfast is just a snapshot of what the organisation contributes to the region.
Mount Gambier team leader Ben Cox said the charity group was at the Vinnies depot in Mount Gambier to celebrate the dedication of volunteers.
“It is about giving back to the Vinnies volunteers and to say thank you for everything they do for the local community,” Mr Cox said.
He said the team had been operating in Mount Gambier since 2017 and was part of a large network across Australia.
“It is also part of a global organisation,” Mr Cox said.
Vinnies stalwart John D’Souza OAM thanked the Rapid Relief Team Mount Gambier for providing yesterday’s breakfast given the charity organisation heavily relied on its volunteers.
“It is lovely to recognise their contribution,” Mr D’Souza said.
He said the volunteers were the cornerstone of the Vinnies charity shop given they sorted the clothes and put them on the racks.
“They do a lot of work, without them, we could not operate the Vinnies shop.”
According to the Rapid Relief Team, it operates with community spirit, compassionate care and supportive hands.
