WORKERS’ HELPING HAND
STAFF at Townsville’s meatworks might well have to tighten their belts as the plant closes early for its seasonal shutdown, but they are happy to support other children and families in need.
The workers have donated non-perishable food and gifts to Ronald Mcdonald House, while plant operator JBS Australia is providing meat packages.
The food and presents will help families having to spend time away from home with a seriously ill or injured child at Townsville University Hospital.
Maintenance trade assistant Trevor Cheney, who helped organise the donations, knows only too well about hardship, having himself lost a partner to cancer six years ago.
“This is a very family oriented company.
We are trying to help the community, especially young kids that don’t get to spend Christmas at home,” Mr Cheney said.
Ronald Mcdonald House community engagement executive Karen Harker said it was incredibly grateful for the generosity of the JBS family who would be helping to support families with sick children throughout the Christmas season.
Townsville plant manager David Arnold said he was proud of the staff who were active in giving to charities, including regular donations to the children’s hospital.
This was despite the plant closing early for its seasonal shutdown from this Friday.
“That’s the good point about this, they are not thinking of themselves, they are thinking of other people out there,” Mr Arnold said.