What began as a small street outreach in Woodridge seven years ago has grown into a charity feeding hundreds of people each week.
Founded by Ansary Muhammed, Merciful Servants started with a simple mission: helping people experiencing hardship.
We started very small, 10 to 20 meals a week,” Mr Muhammed said.
Today, the Crestmead-based volunteer organisation provides up to 700 meals each week through regular outreach programs across Logan and Brisbane.
The schedule sees volunteers serving people in Woodridge on Wednesdays, Mundoolun on Thursdays, and Brisbane City on Fridays and Sundays.
The charity has also demonstrated its ability to respond during emergencies.
During Cyclone Alfred, volunteers rapidly mobilised to support affected communities.
“During the cyclone we did 5000 meals in three days,” Mr Muhammed said.
Beyond food relief, Merciful Servants has recently become involved in community-building initiatives closer to home.
The group is helping establish Unity Garden at Crestmead, a community garden designed to bring residents together through gardening, cultural activities and regular community events.
Mr Muhammed said creating stronger community connections was an important part of the organisation’s broader mission of supporting people.
Despite its growth and community impact, recognition has never been the driving force behind the charity.
Instead, the focus remains firmly on helping others.
“We stay away from awards and rewards from the council or anyone,” Mr Muhammed said.
“Usually they tell us to nominate ourselves, but we say no.”
Mr Muhammed said the group prefers to let its work speak for itself.
That philosophy of quiet service has helped shape the organisation over the past seven years, with volunteers continuing to turn up each week to support people facing hardship, social isolation and food insecurity.
From its beginnings as a small organisation to now feeding hundreds of people every week, Merciful Servants continues to demonstrate the impact grassroots volunteers can have when they come together to serve others.
People interested in volunteering, donating or learning more can visit the Merciful Servants website.
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