Moving Day 9

This month's Moving Day was a perfect example of not letting one's spirit be dampened by the weather! It rained buckets all around, the moving goes on. The team's commitment for a good cause was surely tested with delays and bad weather, but they all stuck around with much resolve, for which the FORM organisers are truly thankful.

Not only was it raining all around Melbourne, but it was also the first time FORM has conducted Moving Day without its founder, Jack. Needless to say the four ladies were apprehensive and thought that it would be impossible for moving day to happen without him, but it turned out to be an amazing day!

Below are some of the experiences from the volunteers that day:

"I felt very helpless when I arrived to find that the mother had recently been discharged from the hospital and was sleeping on the floor (AFTER HAVING A C-SECTION). I assumed Red Cross would have at least provided mattresses. However there were non in sight. Worst feeling is having a 7y/o child happily asking me to provide a bed for her parents. I was crying inside but trying to stay cheerful for her because she was such a happy kid. Her dad seemed confused - as was I after having seen the reality of the situation in their home."

- Jessica Lee (North Team), on visiting a family in Thomastown

"When we got to the last house, we experienced very mixed feelings, the sadness of a completely empty house and on the other hand, the joy that we had lots of items to give! the joy was definitely the predominant feeling! It was a family with 2 kids, a 16 year old boy and a 7 year old girl. They had just moved to this new house the very same Sunday we visited them. We left them a king sized bed and mattress, a queen size bed and mattress, a futon mattress, a desk, 2 sofa set, a big and almost new fridge, a big Flat Screen TV, a TV unit, a coffee table, blankets and linen, a toaster and lots of kitchen stuff and some clothes. This must have been the largest donation to a single family I have witnessed so far"

- Karlita (West Team)

"It was a frantic day for us rushing from house to house, but one family of four comprising the parents and two children stood out as he shared with us his life stories back in Pakistan and his decision/sacrifice to come to Australia as a refugee. The conversation led to tears as he felt helpless, not able to provide for his family with the restrictions of his visa and his current sickness"

- Nicole (Dandenongs Team)