Breaking bread with the community
COME in to the IWC Health and Wellbeing Complex foyer early in the week and you will notice the piles of bread that appear, drawing people from the community to come in and grab a loaf or bag of buns.
“It’s just one part of the way the complex provides support to our community, as well as acting as a hub for 27 services and programs which are here for all in our regions,” said IWC Corporate Manager Leanne Connors.
The “bread run” started some years ago, when some local farmers donated excess stock of vegetables and fruit. Today it involves local businesses donating unsold produce to IWC for distribution to those in need.
Jenny Springham and Farin Gray (pictured) are part of the IWC Communities team, and know the difference an extra loaf of bread can make to families and individuals. It’s not the only donation which is passed regularly directly into the community by IWC.
“All year round, we pass on donated gifts of food, blankets, clothing and toiletries,” said IWC CEO Ara Harathunian.
“Although not funded as a welfare organisation, we work directly across our community to provide an easy-to-access venue for people who benefit from a little bit of help without judgement or having to provide evidence of need. Another popular and recent addition to the community sharing is the IWC Little Library, which sits in the foyer all the time providing free books for both adults and children. People can come in during opening hours to collect a book, or drop off unwanted ones.
“Plus, right now we are running a winter clothing drive. People can come into the IWC centre foyer to collect warm items and take them home for their family, or friends, who will appreciate them. We are inviting members of our community who have winter clothes to donate, or school shoes in good condition, to drop them off at the tables which are at the centre at 184 Barolin St, Bundaberg.
“This is all part of the way we deliver Reconciliation in Action every day, and we are here for all people in our community, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, without discrimination.”
Ms Connors added: “We thank all the individuals, organisations, community groups and churches who have generously donated food and clothing through IWC. These donations help to make this centre a true community hub.”
The IWC Health & Wellbeing Complex is open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.