Meet 12 of Toowoomba’s unsung Christmas heroes

Toowoomba volunteers go above and beyond for others, but who are these unsung heroes? Meet 12 people lending a hand this festive season.

While the Christmas season can be a joyful time, for many it can be a painful reminder of the curveballs life can throw at you.

Thousands of Darling Downs families have been assisted by a group of locals looking to give back where they can – residents who try to make a dark time a little brighter.

There are just some among hundreds of our region’s unsung heroes.

Leeann Eiser is proud to achieve 75 donations at the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Donor Centre. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Leeann Eiser

Leeann donates an hour of her time once a month to save at least three lives, by giving her plasma to the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood centre.

Ms Eiser recently completed her 75th donation, after a personal situation ignited her dedication to give back.

“My dad had blood transfusions every six weeks before he passed away with leukaemia,” she said.

“I wanted to contribute back to the people who helped him.

“It helps everybody. Everybody at some time in their life may need to receive a blood transfusion or know someone who does.”

David and Joan Melandri, volunteers with The Salvation Army, have spent the past two weeks packing hampers with a team of others for families in need of assistance this festive season. Picture: Nev Madsen.

David and Joan Melandri

Salvation Army church members David and Joan Melandri began volunteering their time towards the cause about five years ago, after the service greatly assisted the couple during Mr Melandri’s time in the defence forces.

“They helped me a lot when I was in the army and gave me a helping hand when I needed it,” Mr Melandri said.

“We provide welfare and assistance across the board to anyone in need of help.

“This year there’s so many people in dire circumstances, and (volunteering) makes a little positive difference in their lives,” Mrs Melandri added.

“It’s very rewarding. Some people lost their jobs before Christmas, not necessarily because of Covid, and we’re wanting to help these people at least have a nice and enjoyable Christmas.”

Mr and Mrs Melandri said the task was impossible without a team surrounding them.

“There’s a lot of people behind the scenes, and we couldn’t help as many as we do without them,” Mr Melandri said.

Frances Holmes runs a Christmas lunch for those in need each year at St Luke’s Church. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Frances Holmes

Ms Holmes has organised a special Christmas lunch for the homeless for the past 18 years.

“Eighteen years ago, my family decided that we can’t have a universe full of taking and none of giving,” she said.

“I wanted my kids to understand that having this life is a privilege, not a right.

“You never know when life is going to strike you down.”

St Vincent's de Paul Society volunteers (from left) Deirdre Gardiner, Carole Rogan and Josephine Martini work with the Toowoomba migrants and refugee communitiess. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Josephine Martini, Carole Rogan and Deirdre Gardiner

This trio of angels volunteers with the St Vincent de Paul Society within the Holy Angels Migrants and Refugees Conference.

“In Syria, we call St Vincent de Paul the father of the poor people,” Ms Martini said.

“I do like to help here in Australia, because the poor people need us very much.

“People come to us in the lowest point in their lives … especially with migrants and refugees, often we’re the only friendly support for them,” Ms Rogan added.

“This is a place where we can guarantee they will be listened to, their story will be heard, and we will do as much as we can to assist them,” Ms Gardiner said.

Nat and Tiff Spary from Base Services, along with their team, help over 100 locals a today by providing a number of services and assistances. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Nat and Tiff Spary

Base Services coordinators Nat and Tiff Spary, with their team, assist more then 100 struggling locals every day.

“We help with a healthy meal, clothing, hamper packs and maybe even a swag,” Mr Spary said.

“I used to come here every day and eat, and when we got an opportunity to take over, we built the kitchen and I did nutritious meals.

“That was one of my biggest goals to give healthy and nutritious meals.

“Every six months we do a traineeship for 15 people.

“The goal is they get trained, get skilled, get housed, get healthy and get back into the workforce.”

Hospitality trainer Tina Jacobs from Base Services helps prepare trainees for the workforce. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Tina Jacobs

Ms Jacobs is a hospitality trainer with Base Services and has been involved for two years with the organisation.

“The generosity of Base Services and their mission in helping homelessness through education and training definitely drew me in,” she said.

“I train the trainees in their hospitality skills to get them set and ready for work.”

Ellie Poole, 17, is a trainee from Base Services, and helps disribute hampers to those struggling in our district. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Ellie Poole

Ms Poole, 17, is a trainee with Base Services and while learning valuable skills, she helps others as well.

“It helps people who aren’t as fortunate as others,” she said.

Farhan Khalaf, 21, is a trainee from Base Services and after moving from Iraq, is giving back to those who helped him. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Farhan Khalaf

Mr Khalaf, 21, moved from Iraq two years ago and is now a trainee with Base Services.

“When I came to Australia, it was very difficult, and we had a lot of people help us to settle in Australia,” he said.

“I felt that it’s a great thing to help people who are in need.

“Also here, I learn a lot of cooking skills like chopping, and I get to improve my English.”

These 12 are among the hundreds who dedicate their time to improving the lives of others.