Rapid Relief Team Volunteers Serve Meals at Albury Kids Camp

Rapid Relief Team volunteers recently contributed to the joy of children attending Country Hope’s annual children’s holiday camp in Albury. The event, known as “Time Out for Life,” offers seriously ill children and their siblings a chance to participate in activities such as rock climbing, fishing, BMX biking, pottery, and crafts. Volunteers from the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) prepared over 170 meals for the camp, supporting both the children and the medical and mentor staff who assist them.

The camp, organized by Country Hope, provides emotional and financial support to families in rural areas where a child has been diagnosed with cancer or another life-threatening illness. Country Hope serves communities in the Riverina region, including Wagga, Albury-Wodonga, Griffith, Dubbo, and surrounding areas. The RRT, as the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, has been involved in community service for several years, supporting frontline workers and emergency services through food donations, resources, and events.

RRT Albury Local Team Leader John Moody expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, noting that this was the first time the team had supported Country Hope. “We were delighted to provide lunch for the kids during the camp, as well as the doctors and mentors who volunteer to make such a difference in the lives of these wonderful children,” Moody said. He also praised the organization’s service to country families and expressed hope for future involvement.

The RRT, established in 2013, has grown to include over 14,500 volunteers. Its mission extends beyond disaster relief to include community events and charitable donations. The group’s work reflects a broader commitment to service and care, aligning with the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church’s emphasis on compassion and outreach.

In addition to its community work, the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has been involved in public engagement. Senior elder Bruce Hales has agreed to attend a public hearing of the Australian Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters. While Hales has not been involved in the 2025 election, the committee has requested his attendance to address concerns related to the church’s activities.

The church has also faced scrutiny over its historical stance on certain issues. Recently, The Age published an article criticizing the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church for past statements regarding Judaism, which included derogatory language. The article sparked debate about the church’s approach to interfaith relations and its public image. The church has since sought to clarify its position and address the concerns raised.

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