Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.  

He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week.

He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise money and awareness.

And this National Volunteer Week (19-25 May), Foodbank Queensland is proud to go bananas in return and celebrate him.  

For more than 6 years, Stephen has showcased different fruit salad costumes to help fundraise for Foodbank, raising $60,000 for the charity so far.

Initially introduced to Foodbank through a colleague, Stephen was inspired by the charity's mission to eliminate hunger in Queensland.

“When I walked through the Food Distribution Centre doors nearly seven years ago, I was absolutely amazed by the incredible work Foodbank does, and I’ve never looked back,” says Stephen.

“Growing up in South Africa, I saw some of the hardships that people face, but volunteering at Foodbank opened my eyes to a new reality of food insecurity in Queensland.

“I had no idea that 1 in 5 Queenslanders are struggling to put food on the table.”

Initially wanting a career in the charity space, Stephen now has his own insurance brokerage business, which allows him the freedom and opportunity to give back and be an active partner in his local community.

“Volunteering is a natural part of my life, and my family's involvement in fundraising has been a special and memorable experience,” says Stephen.

Stephen values the opportunity to instil a sense of community service in his children and hopes they will continue this legacy, which is why he’s especially passionate about Foodbank’s School Breakfast Program.

“I have two young kids so this initiative really resonates with my wife and me,” says Stephen.

“Kids going to school without any food - it’s hard for them to try to study.

“Thinking of my two kids just makes it more meaningful. No kid should go to class with an empty stomach.”

Stephen says the people he volunteers with make volunteering that much sweeter.

“They’re all great,” Stephen says with a smile. “It’s a chance to communicate and connect and share stories.” 

It’s not just the friendships. It’s the impact.

“Knowing that what you are doing is helping other people - it really makes you think.”

Foodbank Queensland CEO, Jess Watkinson, said the charity is grateful for volunteers like Stephen.

“Stephen has been a dedicated volunteer at Foodbank Queensland, quietly making a difference in the lives of thousands of Queenslanders doing it tough,” says Jess.

“We have 120 active volunteers who support us across areas like order packing, donation sorting, truck driving and administrative support.

“Our volunteers are our backbone - it’s because of them we can provide more than 26 million meals to Queenslanders facing hunger every year.

“I’m proud and incredibly grateful that volunteers have gifted 11,000 hours of their time in the last 12 months.

“We couldn’t do the work we do without our wonderful volunteers.”

Foodbank Queensland encourages anyone inspired by Stephen’s story to join the fruit salad team and help tackle food insecurity in Queensland.

Foodbank Queensland Key Figures

• 26,000,000 meals/year
• 150,000 Queenslanders helped every week
• $77m in food donated by producers, supermarkets and farmers
• 93% of food sourced saved from going to waste
• Over 350 Community Partners
• 120 active volunteers
• Volunteers gifted 11,000 hours of their time in the last 12 months