Surge in demand for assistance to transport donated goods

QR has seen a 30 per cent increase in requests for freight assistance by charities in the lead up to Christmas this year.

Transport Minister John Mickel said that the latest figures released by QR revealed that while many people were winding down for the festive season, charities were ramping up their efforts in a bid to support a growing number of people in need.

"QR are assisting charities provide much needed help to communities across Queensland who are finding it tough, particularly at this time of year.

"Each year QR gives freight assistance to charities – carrying hundreds of tonnes of donated goods and providing $500,000 worth of freight assistance this year alone.

“The fact that there has been a 30 per cent increase on average in the past six weeks gives an indication of the level of assistance needed at present as well as the valuable work of Queensland's charities in supporting people in need," he said.

Mr Mickel praised the work of Queensland's charities, saying the latest figures revealed just how much work they were doing behind the scenes.

John Campbell from the St Vincent de Paul Society said the charity group had noticed a significant increase in requests for assistance in the past 12 months.

"This year has been a struggle for many, with St Vincent de Paul receiving an upwards of 20,000 more requests for assistance in 2008 compared to 2007," Mr Campbell said.

The figures, he said, also revealed that no socio-economic group was immune, with a noticeable increase in requests coming from families and 'white collar’ workers.

"It's not just the homeless or low income earners requiring assistance this Christmas. Across the board we are seeing people tightening their belts, particularly on non-essentials, with many turning to second hand goods as a cost saving measure," he said.

Mr Campbell said that support from companies and generous individuals within the community was critical in allowing charities to continue their work.

"All families want to be able to make the festive season a special time of year, but for many families who are just making ends meet, this can be a struggle.

"We rely heavily on contributions from individuals and companies like QR to help make things easier for families in need - particularly during the festive season.

"Without these contributions, no matter how big or small, we simply could not continue to provide financial support and care for those who need it most," Mr Campbell said.

Mr Campbell said individuals and businesses wishing to make donations this Christmas, could do so by visiting the St Vincent de Paul Society website www.vinnies.org.au, or by calling their donation line, 13 18 12.

Media contact: 3237 1944

Note to editors:

QR will carry the following approximate volumes of freight in donated goods for charities to regional centres across Queensland in the six months to December 2008:

Brisbane – 500 tonnes

Central Queensland – 150 tonnes

Central West – 26 tonnes

Far North Queensland – 38 tonnes

Gold Coast – 40 tonnes

North Queensland – 108 tonnes

North West Queensland – 22 tonnes

Wide Bay Burnett – 146 tonnes