Wisdom often comes from the mouths of babes and the idea to deliver groceries to the elderly and people in need was no different.
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Richard Donovan started the project after his seven-year-old son, Richard 'Richie' the Fourth, inspired him to help those in need.
Richie overheard his parents talking about people in need of toilet paper. Mr Donovan said Ricky ran over to the cupboard, came out with toilet rolls and asked how he could help.
Mr Donovan said his son, who is diagnosed with high functioning autism, saw the world in a whole different light.
Mr Donovan founded Bags of Hope and Love to deliver groceries to the most vulnerable people in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fresh produce, pantry staples, biscuits, tea and other essential items are delivered to people's homes. Many of these items have been donated by the community.
"You name it and we cram it in there for people," Mr Donovan said.
He carried out 48 deliveries throughout Goulburn, Yass and Bowral last weekend.
The kind-hearted man said he didn't worry about money and hadn't kept receipts.
"You can't put a price on hope and compassion," he said.
"In times like these if you look at what things cost you aren't doing it for the right reasons."
He said one of the main purposes of the project was to show people they weren't alone.
"We are all in the same boat but some people are doing it tougher.
A "fair few people" the project delivers to are 100 per cent oxygen dependent and unable to leave their homes.
Mr Donovan said his passion to help others came back to the principles of Australian mateship.
"If you've got a problem, just talk and if you need a hand, just ask," he said.
"People are starting to reach out and ask for help.
"I'm not a very a very emotional person but it makes me emotional when I see on peoples faces how much [the food delivered] means to them."
He said older people often wanted to come out and say thank you or give him a hug but they were reminded of social distancing.
"These guys were the very first to put their hands up and go to war for us," Mr Donovan said.
"[The current situation] is a small sacrifice compared to what they've gone through having to deal with WWII and so forth."
Bags of Hope and Love will expand its operations to provide help for families.
Mr Donovan said the next step was to provide sanitary packs for women who cannot get to the shops
All bagging is done in a controlled environment with masks, hand santiser and gloves to minimise the risk of transmission.
Mr Donovan has had a passion for community work since he was a child. He said this came from his father. Mr Donovan ran the torch for the 2000 Olympic games relay in recognition of his charity work.
Tutt Bryant, the Hume Police District, Luke Bartlett, farmers and members of the community have all pitched in to donate and support the project.
Mr Donovan plans to continue the operation after the pandemic has passed as some people will still require help on a weekly basis.
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