SUPPORT ARRIVES AT DOOR
YESTERDAY was Suzette’s 14-year-old son’s birthday, but she couldn’t celebrate with him because she’s selfisolating after flying in on Wednesday after doing charity work in Fiji.
“To come home and then be in 14 days isolation is a bit of a shock. As a single mum with four boys, it’s very hard, I can’t even hug my son on his birthday. But to get home-cooked meals delivered means so much,” she said.
The meal came after the Carrara local joined a Facebook group called Love your neighbour Gold Coast – COVID-19 inspired local connections.
Started by Helensvale mum Elisha Commandeur, its sole purpose is to keep locals supported and stocked up with food, toilet paper, and in Suzette’s case, a hot meal and a phone charger.
She left her charger at her hotel in Fiji, but after a callout on the page, someone delivered one to her doorstep. A friend also dropped off a TV because hers died a few weeks ago and she couldn’t afford to buy a new one.
Similarly, Huhana Waenga posted on the page she had some cooked lamb meals for those in need and within hours was delivering some to Suzette, who had nothing in her fridge.
“I can’t work because of my health issues so I spend my days cooking for people who need it the most,” she said.
Mrs Commandeur said people were offering free food, yoga classes, toilet paper, medicine, transport to appointments and so much more.
“We’re all in this together and it’s heartening to see how the community is rallying around during these extraordinary circumstances,” she said.