Our Helping Hands van belongs to an organisation called “Helping Hands”. Helping Hands had its beginnings in 2009 with two founders working from a suburban garage. The aim was simple with profound effects - to reach out to those who struggle with life and lend a helping hand.
They could be people who find themselves isolated, sleeping outside or in hostels or less advantaged. Reaching out often means just sharing a cuppa and chat on a regular basis.
Our Saviour congregation and Redeemer Lutheran College have formed a joint ministry with Helping Hands to undertake a similar venture in our local community. The initial ground work done by Vince, Steve and Troy from Helping Hands has led to the establishment of Friday night visits for the yellow van to a number of places in our community. This means Helping Hands is now servicing Ipswich, Brisbane City and Mt Gravatt.
Currently our “route” or run takes us to three drop points. The first two drop points are housing commission complexes where a large number of elderly and disabled people reside. This has developed into community sharing that is simply great, and members of Our Saviour congregation also run a Bible study during the week. The third is a refuge for children and women. They have been eager to see the yellow van that produces hot dogs, milo and other beneficial items that are desperately needed. They also enjoy our support and fellowship, and playing with the “teenagers”.
Redeemer Lutheran College has endeavoured to take responsibility for the Helping Hands Van during term time and the Congregation taking responsibility for holiday periods. That said, a crossover of people during these times is always welcomed. The Helping Hands Van has served as one of the Service Learning initiatives involving students and staff at Redeemer.
It is a general aim for the College to be responsible for term time and the Congregation to be responsible for holiday periods, but a crossover of people is always welcomed. This initiative is a flagship of our Service Learning approach at Redeemer.
If you would like to know more, or become involved yourself with either the background work or volunteering on Friday nights, please contact the College Reception on 3340 8888.
