When Pastor Robyn Geiger saw a couple of school children without jumpers shivering one morning she knew she had to do something.
Robyn Geiger pastors the
Nazarene church in Mackay,
Queensland, Australia.
That’s when she came up with a brilliant idea to help those less fortune in the community and organised The Blanket Show.
“As a child my parents would always tell me to get ready for the “blanket show” and I used to get really excited, only to find out it was really time for bed,” she said. “So one thing led to another and I came up with the idea.”
Debbie and Geoff Mosey and their daughter, Lily, of Mackay, donated a few blankets
to help families in need this winter, at The Blanket Show at Mackay Regional Botanic
Gardens. Photo courtesy the Mackay Daily Mercury newspaper.
The Blanket Show was held at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens on Saturday (July 25). It showcased nine musicians and performers and those who came along donated blankets and coats for families who find it hard to afford winter clothing and covers. Ms Geiger, a pastor with the Church of Nazarene, has a Diploma of Ministry and recently received her minister’s
licence.
The Fijian Gospel Choir was one of the performers at the Blanket
Show. Based in Mackay, they sang traditional Fijian songs and
Gospel favorites. Photo courtesy Christina Geiger.
She said the Church of the Nazarene used to be in Stockbridge Street, West Mackay, before closing two years ago. That is when she began studying and started the church again in a shed on her Bakers Creek property.
Ms Geiger said it was a wonderful day, where people donated hundreds of blankets and coats while listening to gospel singing.
“We had some people drive up, get out of their car and hand over blankets at the marquee. There were piles and piles of good quality, beautiful blankets – even brand new baby blankets. We are so blessed, we are a nation of generous people – it is amazing that we give to those in need.
“I am hoping to give the blankets and coats to local charities – where they are not to be sold but given to people in need.”
There definitely would be another blanket show in the future.
“I didn’t have any expectations, we organised it on short notice and winter was already upon us,” Ms Geiger said. “We got it together really quickly and I was impressed."
-- This story was originally featured in the Mackay Daily Mercury newspaper, at www.dailymercury.com.au.