On 5th March 2022, the Relief Society sisters in Ipswich, Australia celebrated the 180th birthday of the Relief Society organisation by gathering and donating essential items to families affected by the recent Queensland floods.
This year marks 180 years since the Relief Society was officially established, and to celebrate, the General Relief Society presidency invited the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world to look for ways to be of service to others in their communities.
The Relief Society sisters in Ipswich prayed to know who in their community needed help and they came across Goodna Street Life – a charity that helps the homeless with housing, health and living. This invitation also came at a time when South-East Queensland was hit by devastating rain and flooding.
Goodna Street Life had sent out requests asking for donations of food, water and clothing to help the homeless in the area and families affected by the floods.
The Ipswich Relief Society invited the ward to assist with gathering food, water, blankets and other essential items for these people in need.
Helen and Cameron, directors of Goodna Street Life, were very grateful for the large donation.
The Ipswich Ward Relief Society sisters also assisted Goodna Street Life by organising their shelves and unloading vans full of food containers from their other branches.
Sister Leano Seuea, the secretary of the Ipswich Samoan Ward Relief Society said of the day:
“We left that day feeling tired but we enjoyed every minute of it. There was laughter, singing and happy faces while working together as saints in completing this service project. [I’m] so grateful for… The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”