A massive care package, consisting of two 40 foot shipping containers packed to capacity with donated items from Southern Cross Care’s former residential aged care home, arrived in Dili, the capital of East Timor last month.

The containers were filled with furniture, electric beds, medical equipment, linen, white goods, roofing, and much more.

ParaMarcia, a locally based charity had a team of five men spend three weeks in Timor helping with the distribution of materials.

Organiser Bill Shallvey, on behalf of ParaMarcia said many of the donated items from Southern Cross Care were destined for the Manufahi Health District in the remote northern part of Timor.

“Other recipients are missionary led groups, including schools, a young women’s refuge, a disability clinic, an orphanage and birthing facilities, all remarkable in their own way,” Bill said.

Southern Cross Care’s Chief Executive Paul McMahon said the organisation is honoured to have played a part in helping Timorese people receive the care they deserve.

“Sharing resources is a great way help to our environment, repurposing old equipment instead of sending it to waste,” he said.  

Bill said many East Timorese people are now receiving better care thanks to the donations, but to these clinics and charities in East Timor, the appreciation goes beyond the material donations.

“It means so much more that there are kind people out there willing to help,” he said. 

The ongoing support is thanks to 15 years of ParaMarcia working groups visiting Timor.

“They are supported by a formal Friendship Agreement between Parkes Shire Council and Weberek Village, that has allowed for many friendships and partnerships to form,” Bill said.

“These groups are very grateful to the Australian organisations that helped them, including: Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT), Linfox, Pacific National, Stephen Edwards Construction, Sci-Fleet Roofing, Parkes Shire Council, ParaMarcia, Parkes Shire Council, Healthshare Linen Service Orange, Parkes Quota Club and Parkes and Peak Hill Uniting Churches.”

Here are some heartfelt thank you messages from some of the recipients:

“On behalf of Kids Ark Ministry in Hera, Timor Leste I would like to say thank you, ‘Obriagda barak’, for all the beautiful things you have given to us. Thanks for partnering with us, it goes beyond the “things” sent, it touches people’s lives here.”  – Kids Ark Timor Leste

“The donation helps us to support and provide better care for the children. You have made a real difference in the lives of the children we serve. Thank you all again, it was more than just a donation. This means a lot to us!” – Casa Vida

“Bairo Pite Clinic would like to formally thank Bill Shallvey, his energetic team and all those in Australia that assisted in the project bringing state-of-the-art beds to our facility in Timor-Leste. We are by far the busiest clinic in this country and are challenged every day to help the long-suffering Timorese people. With groups like yours assisting we can have a much greater impact. Your generosity is much appreciated.” –Bairo Pite Clinic