ORDER of Malta Members and Volunteers distributed more than 200 dental packages, collected together by Toombul Family Dental, to people in need just in time for Christmas.

Order volunteers distributed the packages through Emmanuel City Mission’s South Brisbane drop-in center and Southport Angel’s Kitchen parish outreach center.

Recipients were surprised and grateful when they opened the TFD Christmas packages, including high-quality TePe oral health kits, feminine hygiene necessities, hand sanitiser and healthy, tasty snacks. .

TFD owner Bella Verity, who mobilized staff, friends and donors to support the ECM and OMV for Anzac Day and now for Christmas, said she was never comfortable with social inequality.

“I struggle to sleep at night knowing I have a comfortable bed in a safe home and others barely have access to food and shelter,” she said.

“I lead many young people under my care in the TFD and I feel a great responsibility to be a good role model and raise their social awareness.

“I remind my team all the time that homelessness can have an impact on each of us, and nothing in life is permanent.

“We are all one step wrong or just one crisis away from being in a similar situation and we must show the same empathy and understanding that we hope for in a challenging situation.

“Through a family visiting my clinic, I know and trust that the ECM and the Order of Malta are on the ground, helping people with their hands and hearts, not 6 steps removed.

“I know the aid is going right where it is most needed. They are the kind of people and groups I want to support. ”

After handing out the packages, the volunteers met one man, who was looking for a shower in the ECM drop-in center and was happy to discover a new soap in his treatment package.

“Thank you for thinking of us,” he said.

A new attendant at the ECM drop-in center Ellie also remarked on the “beautiful design of the Christmas bag”.

The Order of Malta continues to serve during the “midnight shift” 10 pm-2am of the ECM “Christmas Festival”, as the center provides 24 hour hospitality during the week leading up to Christmas, time particularly vulnerable to people experiencing isolation or suffering.

To support the ECM https://emmanuelcitymission.com

To register your interest in joining our #OMV_Australia team please visit: https://www.orderofmalta.org.au/i-want-to-help/volunteer/