Having a heart for our homeless
THIS Earth angel is Ru Taylor. Despite having a full-time job, she runs @themovementgc, an organisation dedicated to helping the homeless via street feeds in Labrador and Surfers Paradise and foot patrols in Southport to deliver meals and essentials. The meals for 120 people across the week are donated by volunteers and local businesses.
“Some people find life so hard,” she said. “Alcohol/drug addictions add to the problems and mental health issues are a massive player that aren’t fully understood or provided for. We don’t receive any funding or help and run purely on a volunteer basis.
“These people are the forgotten faces nobody wants to see or know about. It’s easier to move them on.
“This is my work away from work as I love connecting with these people. It’s a real passion of mine. I can’t give them advice as I am not a qualified specialist but I can talk to them, put my arm around them.
“They give the best cuddles, I can tell you. They’re so appreciative as homelessness has a stigma attached to it. No-one will look them in the eye. If we could just stop and take the time … they are someone’s father, brother, sister …
“My ultimate dream would be to open a drop-in centre, a safe zone for those who need it.”