A FOOTY club, some homeless people and a chemist have joined forces in a project to benefit children and along the way have shown what a big heart the Capalaba community has.
A vacant block of land beside the Capalaba Warriors District Junior Rugby League Football Club had become a problem. It was overgrown and contained needles and other rubbish.
It prompted the club to approach the Capalaba Day and Night Pharmacy which owned the block.
The pharmacy decided to hand over the land to the club. That prompted the club to start a clean-up and a group that helps homeless people quickly waded in to lend a hand.
Club vice-president Jarrod Bonney said they have cleared rubbish and were landscaping the block for spectators and families to use during training and games.
“We have created a nice grass area where kids can play in safety,” Mr Bonney said.
Redland Community Centre’s Homeless United program leader Horowai Rameka volunteered project recipients to do some of the hard work.
About six months ago Mr Rameka connected with the club, asking for use of the showers when no one was at the club.
“They respect our facilities and there’s nothing wrong with supporting people who are down and out,” Mr Bonney said.
“That’s the Warriors’ way,” said club treasurer Tanya Bonney. “We support the little fellow.”
Mr Bonney said the club was run by volunteers and supporters who were just a phone call away when help was needed.
Secretary Tanya Bonney said many of the 370 players – aged between two and 60 – had become like family.
“There are others who don’t play because they are too old but they still come down to watch and buy meat trays,” Mrs Bonney said.
The rugby league club will get a $500,000 upgrade after the season ends next month. The Queensland government grant to support female participation in rugby league is for toilets, showers and change rooms.
Mr Bonney said businesses like Bespoke Landscaping, DNE Concreting, Naturewood Timbers, M&K Excavation, Groundys Tree Lopping, Fence-a-lot Services, Bunnings, Jimboomba Turf and RLL Landscaping had donated services to landscape the donated block.
