Christian Charities in Brisbane Making a Difference in the Community

Introduction

Brisbane, known for its luxurious riverside mansions and high-end shopping districts, also has a compassionate side. Amidst the glitz and glamour, there are several Christian charities in Brisbane that offer volunteer opportunities for those looking to make a difference and help those in need. In this article, we will highlight some of these charities and explain how you can get involved.

Baby Give Back

What do they do?

Baby Give Back is a Queensland charity dedicated to helping vulnerable babies, children, and families. They collect donations such as clothing, toys, books, furniture, and essential items to support disadvantaged families. The charity works closely with social workers and caseworkers to create customized packages for families in need.

How can you help?

There are several ways you can volunteer at Baby Give Back. You can greet donors and social workers, clean and safety check donations, sort donations and orders, and put together packs for families.

What do you need to commit to?

If you’re interested in volunteering, you can register your interest on the Baby Give Back website or visit one of their warehouses to learn more about what they do. Volunteer shifts run every weekday from 9 am until 4 pm, but you don’t need to stay the whole day. The Varsity Lakes warehouse is also open on Tuesdays from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm.

FareShare

What do they do?

FareShare’s vision is to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious meals. They rescue surplus, quality food and transform it into delicious, nutrient-dense meals that are distributed to charities, community organizations, and others who help those in need.

How can you help?

To volunteer at FareShare, you can register your interest on their website. They are looking for regular and corporate volunteers to help in their kitchens, warehouses, and offices.

What do you need to commit to?

If you choose to volunteer in their kitchen located in Morningside, you can commit to a weekly or fortnightly basis. Shifts typically last for three hours and include a tea break. For warehouse volunteers, the volunteering system will be discussed on your first day. Office administration shifts run for three to five hours.

State Emergency Service (SES)

What do they do?

The State Emergency Service (SES) plays a vital role in responding to local, state, and national emergencies. With over 5100 volunteers, the SES aims to empower people to learn how to help themselves and others in crises.

How can you help?

If you’re enthusiastic, proactive, and driven, you can become an SES volunteer. You will be involved in various disaster and emergency situations, including floods, fires, rescues, transportation incidents, searches for missing persons, and more. You will also learn essential skills such as chainsaw operations, flood boat operations, and land search.

What do you need to commit to?

The process of becoming an SES volunteer is more involved. You will need to apply for a blue card and undergo a criminal and background check if you’re over 18 years old. You will also need to be at an appropriate fitness level for the volunteer role. Enthusiasm, willingness to participate, and a passion for helping others are essential. If selected, you will attend an initiation and training session to learn the necessary skills and receive protective clothing and gear. Training will be ongoing throughout your time in the SES.

OzHarvest

What do they do?

OzHarvest is Australia’s leading food rescue organization. They save surplus food from over 3000 donors and distribute it to charities striving to help people in need. OzHarvest’s goal is to halve food waste in Australia by 2030.

How can you help?

To join the “yellow army” at OzHarvest, you can work at their markets, pack food hampers and deliveries, assist with delivery vans, and clean and prep food. There are a variety of tasks available, so there’s something for everyone.

What do you need to commit to?

Before you can volunteer, you’ll need to attend a training session to learn about the program and the available roles. OzHarvest also asks that you be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. After completing the training, you can fill out an online application to apply. Successful applicants will need to provide evidence of a police check and pay an administration contribution. You can volunteer as little or as often as you like, with most volunteers doing one to two shifts per week.

Orange Sky

What do they do?

Orange Sky is an Australian charity that provides laundry and shower services to those experiencing homelessness. They aim to improve hygiene and restore dignity while also fostering connections through meaningful conversations.

How can you help?

As an Orange Sky volunteer, your main task is to connect with those in need through non-judgmental conversations while they wait for their laundry. You will also help with the operation of the washing machines and showers.

What do you need to commit to?

To start volunteering with Orange Sky, you can sign up on their website and complete the necessary training tasks. The charity asks for a six-month commitment to a regular shift once a week or fortnight. This commitment helps build connections with the friends you make during your time volunteering. You will also need to be COVID-19 vaccinated before starting.

Foodbank

What do they do?

Foodbank is one of the largest food relief organizations in Australia. They collect surplus food and deliver it to charities that feed Australians in need. They work with thousands of charities and school breakfast programs to ensure everyone has access to quality, nutritious meals.

How can you help?

Foodbank currently has volunteer opportunities for order packers. This role involves packing orders, moving product, light box lifting, and using a pallet jack. They may also have other volunteer shifts available in administration, customer service, and warehouse work.

What do you need to commit to?

Food packer shifts typically run from 7 am-11 am and 11 am-3 pm, Monday to Friday. Foodbank asks for a minimum three-month commitment with at least one regular shift per week. You should be able to lift 15 kg safely and stand for four hours at a time.

RSPCA

What do they do?

The RSPCA is Queensland’s leading animal welfare charity. Their mission is to rescue and care for displaced, sick, and injured animals, find them homes, and promote animal welfare and protection.

How can you help?

With over 5,500 volunteers, the RSPCA offers a range of volunteer roles in care, administration, retail, community outreach, and more. You can get involved as a retail assistant in their op shops, an animal care assistant, or an admin assistant.

What do you need to commit to?

For most volunteer roles, the RSPCA asks for a minimum three-month commitment. You will have a regular shift every week, typically lasting four hours.

Anglicare

What do they do?

Anglicare’s Community Visitors Scheme seeks to provide company to residents in nursing homes who may feel alone or isolated. Volunteers visit residents regularly to have light-hearted chats, participate in hobbies, watch shows together, and provide companionship.

How can you help?

If you’re interested in becoming a community visitor, you can register your interest on the Anglicare website. You will visit a resident every week and provide wholesome company.

What do you need to commit to?

Before volunteering, you will need to fill out an enquiry form and complete the necessary training modules and workbook. You will also need to undergo a police check. Community visitors typically set aside 30 minutes per week for their visits.

AWLQ

What do they do?

The Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) has been caring for animals in need for over 60 years. Their mission is to raise the value of animals in society and ensure their needs are met.

How can you help?

AWLQ relies on a strong team of volunteers to save and care for animals. Volunteers contribute to various areas, including running op shops, caring for animals, collecting donations, and managing laundry.

What do you need to commit to?

Volunteers are required to commit to a minimum of three months. You will have a regular shift every week, lasting four hours.

Conclusion

By volunteering at these Christian charities in Brisbane, you can make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Whether you choose to help vulnerable children and families, rescue surplus food, respond to emergencies, or care for animals, your contribution will be greatly appreciated. Register your interest with the charities that align with your interests and start making a difference today.

Note: The information provided in this article is based on the charities’ websites and may be subject to change. It is recommended to visit the respective websites for the most up-to-date information on volunteering opportunities.