By Theresia Titus
Armadale Parish St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Hilbert has initiated a toilet paper exchange to help people in need, as well as “countering fear and self-centeredness”.
Parish Administrator Father Mark Baumgarten said the project had helped some 20 people thus far, “some of whom have been a little embarrassed to ask for help”.
“We remind people that it’s not their fault that others have been panic-buying,” Fr Baumgarten said.
People have been generous in donating and dropping off toilet paper they could spare, Fr Baumgarten told The Record, which then was distributed to those who approach the parish in need.
“I’ve been impressed by the generous response of our parishioners, and some folks outside the parish have offered help as well,” Fr Baumgarten added.
“It’s not easy to think beyond self-preservation during times of stress, but we’ve already received an impressive amount of toilet paper, and we’ve been able to help some folks who were starting to run low.
“We figured that this would not only be a way of helping out some vulnerable people in our local area but that it might also witness to a more Christian approach to these kinds of situations, countering the frantic ‘me-first’ attitude seen in much of the panic-buying,” he continued.
In addition to toilet paper, the parish has also offered to help as much as possible with other essentials people might need.
“Given that the panic-buying has only been happening for two to three weeks, we didn’t expect too many people to run out of toilet paper right away, but we wanted to assure people that we would help as best we can if they did eventually run out and were unable to find any.
“However things play out, we figured this was a small way for us to live out our call as a parish to be the salt of the earth for the people of Armadale,” Fr Baumgarten continued.
“I never would have thought that Christian witness would mean sharing our toilet paper with our neighbours! It’s a small thing, but if it helps people feel less isolated and afraid then it’s worthwhile.