A heart under Jim's uniform

WHILE his profession is not known for its popularity, Ipswich parking inspector Jim Orr has shown there is a heart beneath the uniform.

Mr Orr and his partner, Di Johnston, are part of a team of 15 from the Glebe Road Uniting Church.

The goup is preparing to leave for Uganda as part of a mission to build housing for orphaned children.

The Ipswich team will fly out to Ugandan capital city Kampala on September 18.

Ms Johnston said the willingness to lend a hand to help needy children was a side of her partner that outsiders didn't see.

“It shows parking officers are human; that this is his other life,” she said.

“People only see what he does in his work life.

“This is his private life and I like that we both proudly represent Ipswich.”

Mr Orr agreed and said it did show a different side of the much-maligned profession.

“Most people understand that I try to be fair. If I can find the person who owns the car I try not to give them a ticket,” he said.

“I feel I have heart all the time.

“This is just something Di and I are going on with as friends.”

The Glebe Road team has raised $38,000 to build the house, which are typically constructed to provide shelter for eight parentless children and a housemother.

Ms Johnston said the group was also hoping to raise further funds to take presents for the children.

“We are now looking to buy colouring books and gifts which we can leave in the house for the family that will move in,” she said.

“We also want to take linen to make the basic house a little nicer.”

She said the mission had all come about after a choir from the Watoto Mission visited the church last year.

“I have always wanted to do something like this, but parts of Africa are still a little dangerous. This is safety in numbers,” Ms Johnston said.

“It is the chance to make a difference and a difference we will be able to physically see.”

• If you know of a local hero contact the QT on 3817 1738 or email qt@qt.com.au.