Inspired by Their Grandparents, Young Australians Serve Others

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In a three-part service project, young women in Beenleigh are following their grandparents’ examples in ministering to the homeless. 

In a suburb south of Brisbane, Beenleigh members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have joined a community effort over the years to provide nourishment to those struggling and having a tough go at life.  

Organised by a local charity, Rosie’s, volunteers gather three times a week to serve hot meals to those in need. 

Rosie’s: Friends on the Street, has been operating since 1987 with a mission to offer friendship and unconditional acceptance to those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or are experiencing social isolation or loneliness. Many of Rosie’s patrons are homeless and are unsure when their next meal will be available. Rosie’s provides hot meals and a listening ear that their patrons need.  

Sherrill and Lindsay Hamon began volunteering with Rosie’s some time ago, cooking and serving meals, taking the time to interact and uplift others. Their example of service prompted their granddaughters to follow in their footsteps, helping to cook and serve, as well as helping distribute much needed essentials to Rosie’s patrons.  

Larielle, Ruby and Lily, the Hamon’s granddaughters, saw the opportunity to expand their service and include others from their Young Women’s class at church. During a Sunday lesson, the group wrote uplifting messages on cards and attached chocolates, in preparation for the next step in their service project.  

Later in the week, the girls gathered to prepare apple crumble and sticky date pudding as phase two of their service project. While preparing the food, leaders lead a discussion about the individuals they would be helping and why service to others is so important. 

Linda Ormsby, the Hamon’s daughter and a local volunteer youth leader, noted, “We felt it was important for the young women to know and understand that the food they were preparing was going to be given to community members, some who are literally down the road from where we were at our chapel, who are without homes and sometimes without family and support.” 

The third stage of this project was for the young women to participate in serving meals. The next evening, 16 teenagers, including six of the Hamon’s granddaughters, delivered their desserts to the organisation and happily served meals, chatting to guests and giving out the chocolates they had previously prepared.  

The Rosie’s team was grateful for the service provided. The night the youth chose to assist was especially cold and the volunteers had run out of food, so they were grateful to have the extra assistance.  

Daniel, one of the regular guests at Rosie’s, was overjoyed with the opportunity to meet with these special teens and was grateful for the extra warm treat.  

These young people hope to continue serving their community.  

The Church is involved in many various humanitarian relief projects locally and globally. Click here to learn more about the Church’s efforts to alleviate suffering.