There are many heroes without capes within the community, who are consistently working towards making Logan City a better place. One of those heroes is Logan local Anita Anderson, who was recently awarded Logan’s Citizen of the Year for her good work.
Ms Anderson has managed to continue to help others through her charity A Touch of Hope, whilst in recent months recovering from a brain tumour, and having to learn to walk and talk again.
“I am overwhelmed by the recognition as it was totally unexpected,” Ms Anderson said. “I am honoured to have been chosen as I feel a sense of representation for A Touch Of Hope, what we do and the effort of our devoted volunteers.”
Founder of the Springwood charity, Ms Anderson and her team support hundreds of Logan City citizens each year through outreach sessions in Woodridge.
“A Touch of Hope is a grassroots community organisation that supports vulnerable members of the community,” Ms Anderson said. “We offer hot meals, deserts, hot and cold drinks, food hampers, clothing for adults and children, towels, footwear, blankets, sleeping bags, sanitary items, and care products.”
The charity also offers a street library with adult and children’s books and puzzles when available, a children’s activity corner, as well as services including a hairdresser who attends every 4 to 6 weeks, and a vet which helps once a month to care for pets of the homeless.
“All of these [services] are free,” she said. “The Outreach is a gathering place for people to socialise over a cuppa, a place for friendships to be made, and a place of no judgement.”
Ms Anderson says the charity also distributes Care Pack Backpacks which contain all personal care essential items as well as non-perishable foods, small pillow and blanket, and sleeping bag, School Pack Backpacks for children at the beginning of the year, and children’s Comfort Packs that comes with books, pencils, games and a special age-appropriate gift.
“The services we provide show the vulnerable they are a part of the community,” Ms Anderson said. “We can help to improve their quality of life, offer a place to engage with others, help to break down isolation, show them they are worthy and have a voice in our community.”
Overcoming her own hardships, Ms Anderson says those going through tough times should remember that if you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.
“You are not alone, never give up,” Ms Anderson said. “How can we help and what do you need? We have a Facebook page that you are most welcome to join. Members of the group are so generous and help if and where they can, all free of charge.”
