A chance encounter when delivering donations earlier this month has provided a unique insight into the lives of those who volunteer their time to support others. 

Ninderry MP Dan Purdie said he was bllown away when he ran into two high profile Sunshine Coast locals anonymously volunteering their time when he delivered donations for Urban Angels Christmas hamper appeal. 

“When I rocked up to Urban Angels to drop off the donations, I never expected to see Sunshine Lightning CEO Danielle Smith lending a hand during what was one of the busiest periods for our charity services,” Mr Purdie said. 

“Then I turned around and ran into Gail Hogan, a former Assistant Police Commissioner who was the head of the QPS State Crime Operations Command back when I was just a young detective. Gail was also there as a volunteer, helping out Urban Angels pack the hampers.  

While I know the Sunshine Coast has a wonderful volunteer community who come from every walk of life, I was just surprised to run into 2 people who have already contributed so much in their professional lives.”  

Mr Purdie said volunteers were often the anonymous faces behind the public profiles of charities like Urban Angels. 

“They are not there to seek thanks or publicity, they are simply there because they care, and that just speaks volumes about the nature of our volunteer community,” Mr Purdie said.  

“That is the wonderful thing about living on the Sunshine Coast, where everyone pitches in and lends a hand. The reward comes from the satisfaction of knowing you are helping someone less fortunate, and it’s a great feeling.” 

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