Spencer Howson - Bmag

his volunteering for almost two decades
without earning a cent for himself.
“I work full-time as a school music teacher
and my wage provides for us so that Russell
can keep up with his volunteer work – that’s
why I fell in love with him and I believe in
what he is doing,” says Betty, also a Reverend
who volunteers in her spare time. She says
“lives have been changed” through her
husband’s incredible love and genuine,
practical help to so many people in need,
from buying rice each month for 150 children
in the mountains of the Philippines, to
sending out 50 food parcels each Wednesday
to the local community.
Betty’s daughter Jo-Anne Johnson, who is
Reverend Witham’s stepdaughter, says he is an
inspirational role model for her son William,
6. “Russell is very selfless and one of those
people who just gives and gives and never
expects anything in return,” says Johnson.
Government administration officer and
volunteer from Fig Tree Pocket Sophie
Morton says his support led her to take
personal stepping stones that she never
thought she could.
Wishart area councillor Krista Adams
is another keen supporter of Witham’s,
and for the past five years has awarded his
organisation funding grants through the Lord
Mayor’s Suburban Initiative Fund for the
Adopt a Pensioner program, which supplies
Russell Witham in the Access kitchen
fresh food to the elderly.
“His organisation is so amazing – their
commitment and care to reaching out to the
more vulnerable people is really astounding
and inspiring,” says Cr Adams.
“I did a tour with him in the vans one night
and the people really light up when they see
Russell and his van – the community groups
like his are what really help make a difference.”
Aboriginal elder Daniel Wagg, a semiretired
alcohol and drug counsellor, heaps
praise on Witham too, especially for his care
and concern for local indigenous children
– around 30 are picked up by bus to attend
weekly Sunday school where they’re also
given a hearty meal and wise advice.
“He is a very spiritual man and he’d
bend over backwards for anyone who needs
help,” says Wagg. “I’m very proud of how he
supports the children.”
Witham says he has plenty more ideas on
how to reach out to the needy of Brisbane
including establishing a community centre,
but the main ingredient he really needs is
donations.
“One bloke heard what we were doing last
week and this morning he handed me $1000
which is really great, but we do need more
corporate support and it’s a constant struggle
to achieve that,” he says. “Sometimes I do get
disheartened but I just want to help people –
that’s the main thing.”
Read Brisbane’s Best I bmag.com.au 19