A Yarrabilba couple have displayed great generosity, setting up a table in their front yard with a range of free grocery items to help those in need.
Brett Bennett and Sarah Platell live at on Darlington Drive and it’s not the first time they have set up the ‘shop’.
During the floods they helped their community by supplying milk, bread, and pasta to those who were flooded in.
“Sarah works on the coast and was able to get some supplies in for us for those who really needed it. It was mainly just the basics (bread, milk, and pasta), which was impossible to get around here at that time,” Mr Bennett said.
“We decided to do it again this time to help others, because life is tough at the moment, especially with the cost of food and petrol and it’s the small things that really make a difference in someone’s life.”
Mr Bennett said no matter who you are, people are free to come and go as they please.
“Some people don’t want to talk or are embarrassed about their situation, and we have had others who want to come chat and debrief,” he said.
“This is the time for people to support each other in the community, band together and help each other. We all need it because everyone is feeling the pinch.”
Despite helping others, Mr Bennett and Miss Platell are going through their own struggles.
“We are in a rental and are fearful what is going to happen when our lease is up,” Mr Bennett said.
“I have a work injury (back) and I am now permanently disabled, which has affected my mental health and I’m sure many others are suffering too.
“Sarah has had to take up working 7 days a week just to get us by and her travelling down the coast is just so expensive in fuel, it’s very challenging.
“We don’t do this for recognition, it gives me a purpose – because life really sucks at the moment, really it has for the last two years.”
Mr Bennett said he wanted to lessen the impact for people and tell them no matter how tough things are, “you’re tougher.”
Mr Bennett encourages communities to do this more often and hopes others will get involved.
