Joanne Wallace has found a passion in life as coordinator of the Lighthouse Community Centre.
The emergency relief organisation assists Warwick’s most vulnerable community members by offering a food line every morning at 9am.
Each day a truck delivers food items to the centre from Aldi, Coles, Woolworths, Subway and Donut King.
The Centre has recently moved to a bigger building which puts every area of the centre under one roof and Joanne said it is a lot busier and bigger.
Joanne said items were sorted and then anyone who has a need can come and be given some of the donated food.
“Those on a low income will greatly benefit from this as they can use their money for other necessities,” Ms Wallace said.
“It’s on the rise it’s increased a lot since the floods of this year.”
Joanne started volunteering in November of last year.
“I came on board because some of the staff were retiring and they wanted to train somebody for this role and that’s how I got involved,” she said.
“I hadn’t done this sort of thing before, I’ve studied and I’ve been thinking, for a few years now about starting up my own community organization.”
Each year the Lighthouse supports around 500 at risk people in the Warwick area.
On top of food distribution, they assist with blankets, emergency hampers and domestic violence services.
“Over the years members of our community have generously donated clothing, furniture and household items that can be given to help people in need.”
“Community generosity has allowed us to run an Op Shop with the goods that are in excess of need.
“The funds from the Op Shop are our means of funding other community support relief,” Ms Wallace said.
Recently, the Lighthouse moved to a larger premises on the corner of Guy and Grafton streets.
The Lighthouse is a registered charity and is fully staffed by volunteers.
