Each year, in the lead-up to Christmas, various initiatives are presented, and requests are received for Queensland X-Ray to assist organisations that support the vulnerable and those in need within our local communities.
This year, Queensland X-Ray chose Rosies – Friends on the Street (Rosies) as the inaugural official Christmas charity for 2024, a charity whose impactful work spans Cairns, Brisbane, and surrounding suburbs, including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and the Toowoomba region.
Rosies Chief Executive Officer Jayne Shallcross extended her thanks for the support shown by Queensland X-Ray staff, given the rise in numbers attending nightly outreach. "We experienced record numbers of outreach attendance over the Christmas season last year and expect to support even more vulnerable people this year."
"The Rosies team is so incredibly grateful for the state-wide support shown in the collection of essential outreach items.
"We could not do this without the support of organisations like Queensland X-Ray."
The charity was a perfect fit for Queensland X-Ray's community engagement goals and sustainability initiative of improving the health of individuals and the community.
Given a list of essential items relevant to their region, practices were invited to donate items that would support individuals experiencing homelessness and social isolation in our community.
Practices across the region came together in a collective effort to make a difference in the lives of those in need, a testament to the community spirit at the heart of Queensland X-Ray.
Carissa Pearce, In Charge Medical Administrator at Broadbeach, is equally proud of her team and their dedication to making a difference and said, "The team at Broadbeach were happy to jump on board and be part of this amazing initiative by Queensland X-Ray."
"Our team filled a washing basket full of items such as cordial, instant noodle cups, biscuits, personal items and Christmas chocolates/treats, and presented it to the ironically named Rosie from Rosies' Gold Coast North branch, who in return presented us with a beautiful Certificate of Appreciation."
Carissa adds, "We are very grateful here at Broadbeach that we could make a small difference in the lives of those experiencing hardship this Christmas."
Rosies - Friends on the Street is a volunteer organisation that provides an invaluable outreach service for people in need within the community. In 2024, Rosies provided outreach to 14 locations, providing a nightly service that included meals, hygiene packs, blankets, and support services.
For further information on Rosies Friends on the Street, including how to volunteer at an outreach, please visit rosies.org.au
