Richmond community says Thanks.
Peoples generously that really steps up to the rescue,
Richmond community says Thanks.
We have had our fair share of dramas over the past year or two yet we live in a sunburnt country and have to lived to except what Mother Nature dishes out, so its peoples generously that really steps up to the rescue, and it happened in Richmond when the town was going through tough times when along came Kevin and Doris Goody they started talking and that’s how they got the name Monto Angels.
The Story Behind the Monto Angels
In August/September, Shane’s Staffords cousins – Kevin & Doris Goody were on a trip through Northern Queensland and they were amazed at the extent of the drought. Having been in the situation themselves on several occasions, including having to cart water, they decided that they wanted to bring some cheer to those struggling.
They chose the Richmond community because of the family connection, and for that we should all be very grateful.
Doris initially was going to make some Christmas cakes and distribute them, but once she started talking to the Monto people, the donations and offers for help snowballed. Doris and Phyllis spent many days baking and ended up making over 70 Christmas Cakes & 70 Christmas Puddings.
Doris Goody - the lady who had the idea and put it all together - with some of the cakes
Other people made biscuits and other yummy treats. There were donations from a Body Shop agent, gifts, clothing, toys and money to be used as vouchers. The local Monto people donated items to make the puddings and cakes, such as the fruit, flour, rum, fondant and paper wrapping.
Then some other ladies wanted to contribute by volunteering their services. Stacey & Tess came on board with their hairdressing and beauty skills, Julie and Sarah with their Reiki & Bowen Therapy. With the extreme generosity of Brittney Perry allowing the use of her salon, and the CWA availing the use of their building, these lovely ladies embarked on their journey with Doris and Kevin, Phyllis & Barry.
Tess and Stacey (Hair and Beauty from Monto) with Brittney Perry - our local hairdresser who donated the use of her shop
They donated completely their time (which meant that their own businesses, homes and families were left, while they donated themselves to our community) and travelled for two days each way to give to our community for two very full days. Stacey and Tess managed to fit in approx 80 people in two days and they were full and long days and Stacey’s children Matt and Bridie were on hand to help where ever they could. Julie and Sarah put in 10 and 12 hour days also and 40 plus people benefited from their services.
Julie (Reiki) and Sarah (Bowen Therapy)
Doris & Kevin, Phyllis & Barry spent their time putting together the care packages and vouchers and delivering many of these themselves. Arthur & Larine have also delivered many to the stations, at no charge.
June Kuhl organised for these wonderful people to be accommodated at the Caravan Park, helped to get the word out and also gave her time to ensure that things would run smoothly.
I sincerely hope that our community realises the magnitude of the undertaking and generosity given to us by so many people, but particularly these 10 people that drove here and back at their own cost, to share some cheer. Both country and town people have benefited and the choosing of who were the most needy was done by an impartial person – not the Richmond Shire Council and not Shane or myself.
Since their return to Monto, I have had a couple of calls from Doris & Julie saying how much they love our community and that they also got so much back from so many. Julie has offered a stopover at her home if anyone is travelling that way, so their generosity truly is tremendous.
Thankyou Monto & the Monto Angels.
Joan Smith a local and Stacy the Hairdresser from Monto
