Page 2166 - Week 07 - Thursday, 7 August 2014
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The Red Cross also works with families, youth and communities. Roadhouse provides a hot meal, information, referral and support to people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or experiencing financial difficulty. The roadhouse has been providing these services since 1990 to the most vulnerable Canberrans and has served over 400,000 meals to people in need.
For more than 40 years meals on wheels volunteers have been delivering nutritious meals to those who cannot shop or cook for themselves. This service is more than just a meal. It is a friendly greeting and a regular check on people’s wellbeing.
FOODcents is a program under which trained Red Cross volunteers and staff deliver workshops on healthy eating options on a budget. FOODcents has been delivered to community workers in the inner north of Canberra to increase their knowledge and understanding of nutrition and in social housing.
Under the youth engagement program, Red Cross provides opportunities for young people to get involved and to be part of the largest humanitarian organisation in the world. Red Cross operates the good start breakfast clubs. In partnership with 15 schools in Canberra and the surrounding area, Red Cross provides breakfast to vulnerable young children. Save-a-mate promotes the health and wellbeing of young people by providing education and support on health issues, particularly related to alcohol, other drug use and mental health issues.
Within the ACT, the Red Cross provides a valuable role in emergency management, working to build community resilience and supporting vulnerable people in times of crisis. With the support of Red Cross volunteers and by providing personal support, the organisation reconnects people with families and friends, plays a role in emergency shelters, contributes to community-driven recovery and manages public appeals to provide financial relief.
I take this opportunity, noting that a number of members are here, as I said before, to acknowledge the Divisional Advisory Board of the ACT. I recognise their commitment and their contribution to our community. Mr Sam Wong is the chair. Ms Wendy Prowse is the deputy chair. The members of the board of the ACT are Lisa Bell, Matt Eyles, David Hatherly, Von Harrington, Michael Harrison who is the youth representative, Phillip Kimpton, Richard Pembery AM, Geoff Skillen, Alan Wu and Ms Wenda Donaldson, who is the executive director.
I would like to put on the public record the appreciation of the Canberra Liberals for the hard work of the ACT board, the leadership team, the staff, and above all the volunteers and donors from across Canberra, who year in, year out contribute to the great work for the Red Cross in Canberra.
Visitors
MADAM SPEAKER: I acknowledge the presence in the gallery of Mr Sam Wong, the chairman of the ACT Red Cross, and other members of Red Cross. Welcome to your Assembly.
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