Toowoomba residents donate care packages to first responders

Darling Downs residents have taken it upon themselves to help those who have given so much to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic, but they need the help of the region. DETAILS HERE

Toowoomba mum Tiana Croxon is putting together care hampers for QAS EMDs across the district. Picture: Morgan Burley

Selfless community members are taking it upon themselves to give back to those who have sacrificed more than their time for the region.

Toowoomba mum Tiana Croxon is dedicated to providing a large hamper package to the Garden City’s Queensland Ambulance Service emergency medical dispatchers.

“They work 12-hour shifts, and in a role that isn’t for the faint-hearted,” she said.

“They are often the first contact for people who are experiencing crisis and have to remain level headed and compassionate.

“I wanted to show them that even though people don’t see the face behind the phone call, that the community values and appreciates what they do.

“It takes a lot of heart to choose to work in those lines of work.”

Toowoomba mum Tiana Croxon is putting together care hampers for QAS EMDs across the district. Picture: Morgan Burley

Mrs Croxon – whose husband works as an EMD – is collecting coffee vouchers, chocolates, muesli bars and other snacks as well as cards of thanks from the community.

She plans to deliver the package to the Toowoomba office this weekend.

“It is important to acknowledge emergency staff especially at the moment,” she said.

“Many are working long hours serving our community.”

Toowoomba businesses have also donated vouchers for emergency personnel.

“It is a brilliant idea as it not only shows appreciation towards the QAS staff, it is supporting small businesses who are struggling through the pandemic as well,” Mrs Croxon said.

Chantel Christiansen is also putting together care packages for Toowoomba hospital and Covid-unit staff.

“I think it’s important to help them because they are short staffed and are sometimes away from their own families, so I’m just trying to do my bit in helping,” she said.

Both women have alerted the public to their ideas through the popular Facebook page Adopt a Healthcare Worker Queensland.

To get in contact with Mrs Croxon, please email her at [e-mail]. Alternatively, Mrs Croxon is collecting donations from the Toowoomba Information Centre carpark on Friday from 9am until 9.30am.

Ms Christiansen can be reached on 0423 519 337.