Order of Malta in Brisbane begin New Year serving vulnerable through ECM
Report by Joseph Grogan KMG
Beyond Covid-Omicron variables, the North Eastern Regional Hospitaller and six Order of Malta Members and Volunteers (OMV) commenced the New Year by resuming our fortnightly service at the Emmanuel City Mission (ECM) homeless sanctuary.
Across Sunday’s five hour outreach, our team prepared and served a very welcome free breakfast and BBQ lunch, and accommodated requests for key items, including clothing for a shirtless patron.
Members and friends of the Order donated food items and quality clothing to ECM, as we also do for the Angel’s Kitchen outreach in Southport Catholic Parish.
We shared friendly and insightful conversations with over 40 regular and new ECM attendees.
An attendee who had slept the previous night in a public park deeply appreciated the warm welcome at ECM.
Along with a steadying warm drink and meal, he gratefully received donated essentials including clothes, a TFD dental pack and backpack with care items, and a pillow and sheet to catch up on sleep in the back of the Chapel.
ECM also offers free shower and washing facilities.
ECM Director Roby Curtis Jr provided a printed contact list of key services available to vulnerable people in Brisbane. The attendee’s relief was palpable, “I came to the right place. Thank you, really, thank you”.
To learn more about ECM
https://emmanuelcitymission.com/
To Register your Interest to volunteer with the Order of Malta: