In her role as Parkes Coordinator for Anglicare, Ann Olson is positively excited. “We have a big event planned for next week” she explained, “and all the local Anglican community will be involved”.
Ann believes that her role with Anglicare, and in partnership with the Parkes Anglican Parish, is to connect into the community to meet the needs of the community. Helping organize the St. George’s Anglicare Community Support Day, which will take place on Saturday the 11th of March, is doing just that.
“We will be welcoming flood affected families and offering them new clothes, towels and shoes, plus tea and scones,” she said, “and all the stalls will be manned by church and community volunteers.”
Ann retired from teaching last year and started a permanent role with Anglicare the very next day. “I’ve been involved with Anglicare since the early 1990s.” she said. “My hope is to continue the great work that former Parkes Coordinator, Natalie Quince and Anglicare and the Parish were already doing”.
Following some of the worst flooding Parkes has ever seen, last November, Ann and her team have supported 100 families who have been seriously impacted by the floods.
“Families have been displaced due to renovations. Many have had to move in with their parents or into their children’s homes. There are no caravans left and the rental crisis is making things even harder,” said Ann.
Part of Ann’s role is to oversee Georgie’s Pantry and Georgie’s Boutique, both run as a partnership between Anglicare and the Parkes Anglican Parish. The pantry is supervised by team member Kerri Fenwick and provides reduced cost groceries and emergency assistance to those in need. Bags of essential groceries including vegetables, fruit, and bread are pre-packed and offered at minimal cost. “We have been generously supported in this by Second Bite and local shops” said Ann.
To further support flood-affected community members, Georgie’s Boutique has teamed up with Thread Together, an Anglicare partner that works to prevent excess clothing from ending up in landfills by re-routing it to those who need it most. This partnership has allowed flood victims and other vulnerable community members, access to free clothing and other essentials direct from the manufacturer.
Thread Together joined up with Anglicare in Parkes following the recent floods, but intend to continue the connection through a pop-up style clothing hub outside Georgie’s Pantry run by local volunteers.
“We are always looking for volunteers to join our community group” said Ann, “Even if you only have an hour or two to spare. All are welcome.”
To learn more about Anglicare activities in Parkes, or about volunteering with Anglicare call 02 6862 2954 or email ann.olson@anglicare.com.au .
Pictured: Ann Olson at Georgie’s Boutique in Parkes
