Donation brings warmth to Bundaberg community

A fulfilling community partnership has given those in Bundaberg needing a little warmth this winter, the chance to rug up.

Over 470 sleeping bags purchased for Tent City at last weekend’s Central Junior Carnival have been kindly donated to the Salvation Army, the second year the Central Region has been able to give back to those in need.

"It's very humbling to be able to receive such a generous donation from rugby league to help us do the work that we do in our community,” said Salvation Army Bundaberg Corps Officer Captain Chris Millard.

"This week, we actually ran out of blankets, so we're very thankful we received the sleeping bags to meet the need that's out there.”

After the region made a similar donation last year, the idea came from a conversation with Bundaberg Junior Rugby League president Wayne Bender, who in conjunction with Central Region Manager Rob Crow, wanted to contribute to the Salvos’ quintessential work in the Wide Bay community.

“Wayne wanted to do more for his local community than just [facilitate] rugby league, so this has been a great opportunity to do so and fill the need to support people in this cold weather,” Captain Millard said.

“Bundaberg doesn’t really experience many days of cold weather but it’s definitely helped those in need feel a little warmer this winter season and people have been very grateful."

Crow said the initiative was just another way rugby league has been able to help others.

“The donation of the sleeping bags to the Salvos for distribution to the less fortunate in the Bundaberg area is another great example of the game caring for the wider community," said Crow.

“This donation is our unique way of assisting those who are in need and the Central Region board and staff are proud of their efforts in this regard.”

With the Salvos continuing to foster a number of key local partnerships, Captain Millard believes they are the catalyst to bringing everyone together.

“This is how the community works best,” he added.

“It helps rebuild faith in humanity that people do care about each other.”