Delivery Tips - Sunday 11th December

Thank you very much for your assistance today. We hope that you really enjoy your deliveries today...it is a really special gift that you are contributing to other people in our community. We also hope that you will always remember these magic moments.

It is important that you read this sheet before you make your 1st delivery. We hope that these tips make your deliveries easier and answer any questions that are raised along the way.

• Write a list of all your delivery addresses on one piece of paper,
• look them up in your street directory and note the map references according to your Refedex/UBD/Brisways,
• then plan your route...maybe even number them in order of delivery...before you head off too far!
• If you're a techno wiz, program your GPS with the addresses and let the 'lady' guide you on your way.

Always take the delivery label off the box, as you take it out of your car - before delivery (and any name tag that you may be wearing). You can carry the label with you to the front door, if you like...to remember the name of the person/family you are delivering to. Save all your labels and destroy them after you've completed all your deliveries, to protect peoples' privacy.

Remember that we deliver 'anonymously'. Recipients often ask "who is this from?" - we simply say that "we don't know, we are just the delivery people...all we know is that it is from someone who cares about you and wants you to have a great Christmas" ...isn't it fun playing Santa! There are some exceptions to this rule and so if there are any labels on the box which are not the delivery details, please ensure this label is visable as you deliver the box.

Say hello, check that you have the right person/family (important!), once person has been verified, say that you have a delivery for them, wish the person/family a very merry Christmas and feel free to chat for a few moments, if you want to....don't deliver the box and rush off....enjoy the experience of giving! Also remember to be discrete/sensitive....wait 'til you're back in your car, before talking about how each delivery went!

If the person/family is not home:

• go around the back and call out, in case they didn't hear you (be careful about dogs!)
• check with neighbours to verify the person/family still lives there
• go back later, if possible - on same day (or during the week if convenient for you)
• if not possible to go back later and you've verified that the person/family still lives there, find a place out of the sun/weather to leave the box (front/back verandah maybe) - preferably don't leave box with neighbour
• if the person/family has moved, check if neighbour knows where they have gone (addresses have been supplied to us, by community groups/support workers)
• if you still can't locate the person, be creative....how about delivering it to the local church or hospital,
• or another family that you come across during your deliveries....

Or call Rachael 0422 402 094 or Sonia 0407 180 576 for further ideas.

If the person asks you to come inside with the box, look around and use your instincts to decide if this is OK - do not place yourself in any situation where you feel unsafe.

Sometimes, recipients like to offer you something in return... like a cup of tea, or water - it is up to you whether you accept. Feel free to say "thank you but no, I have to keep going with my deliveries", if you prefer to keep going. Remember, that you are giving unconditionally....you don't expect something in return (although smiles and thank you's are always great!)

You will get many and varied reactions to your deliveries. Remember that pride prevents some people from expressing their thanks, and other times you will be overwhelmed with peoples' gratitude ..... and all sorts of reactions in between! On the rare occasion, a recipient may not want to accept your delivery....you can be creative here! How about saying something like "I'll get into trouble if I don't make all my deliveries...can you help me out and accept this". This approach worked for Craig a few years ago! Remember, every delivery is different, so savour all your experiences and share your stories with us later.

Also note that the Smith Family, Salvos and other organisations may be delivering their Christmas hampers on around the same day and sometimes a family will have received a delivery from them earlier. We try hard to find recipients who wouldn't otherwise receive a hamper from anyone else....but sometimes it does happen. Think positive....these people are obviously in need and it's great that others are thinking and caring about them.

Have fun!!

Any problems, call Rachael 0422 402 094 or Sonia 0407 180 576

We would love your feedback on how to improve the procedures and experiences on the day. Please email these to brisbanebasketbrigade@magicmoments.org.au.
If you'd like to be more involved in the committee or planning stages of The Basket Brigade Packing Day - join us!!
Details from Rachael 0422 402 094 or brisbanebasketbrigade@magicmoments.org.au.
We hope to see you again next year ... or during the year at one of our great monthly fundraisers!