Amongst all the obstacles these past couple of years, one upside that has emerged is the capacity for giving. We have all checked on our neighbours, family and friends, delivering goods through isolation, reaching out via phone or video to help maintain the mental and emotional health & well-being of those close to us. But there is always more that we can do. There are a number of awesome charities based right here in Docklands and nearby, and here’s what we can do to help.
THINK PINK FOUNDATION & The Living Centre
Located at 81 South Wharf Drive in Docklands, the Living Centre opened in January 2020 functioning as a wellness centre dedicated to providing both emotional & physical support services to both women & men diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as their families & careers. Offering an array of creative, exercise and wellness programs & activities that focus on wellbeing, not the illness. The sanctuary has highly qualified breast care nurses on staff to provide professional counselling & advice on coping strategies for patients in a safe & nurturing environment.
How we can help!
Aside from monetary donations, the centre also accepts donations of goods & services. They welcome assistance with therapeutic and administration skills, or you can volunteer to aid with fundraising events or activities. One fun way to get involved & help raise needed funds is to establish your own event, be it a dinner party, BBQ, or workplace function and request that your guests “wear pink”. The Think Pink Foundation can assist you in establishing a central fundraising page for your donations.
https://www.thinkpink.org.au/the-living-centre/
THE BIG UMBRELLA FOUNDATION
Originally based at The Hub in Docklands since 2010, The Big Umbrella Foundation provides emergency food relief, company, care, and connection to those that are homeless and struggling on the streets of Melbourne. Working out of the kitchens of Marvel Stadium throughout the pandemic, they have just recently moved to their own independent facility and kitchen in nearby Brunswick.
The foundation rescues surplus foods from suppliers such as supermarkets, Nandos, Second Bite, & Oz Harvest that would otherwise go to waste to create hot, nutritious, and tasty meals for those marginalized & suffering adversity. They are 100% run and funded by a dedicated team of volunteers who position their food service on Wednesdays & Thursdays at the rear of Federation Square, rain or shine.
How we can help!
In addition to a direct donation of money, you can volunteer to help prepare meals & get hands-on in their kitchen. You can choose to then continue on to the meal service at Fed Square where you can experience the fruits of your labour firsthand, up close & personal with those who are in real need and share in their stories. It's an incredibly rewarding & wholesome experience for all and a perfect opportunity for corporate team building too!
SACRED HEART MISSION
Another charity that I hold close to my heart is Sacred Heart Mission, a not-for-profit organization that began in St Kilda, addressing homelessness and social disadvantage. In particular, they have their own Women’s House, a safe & supportive space specifically tailored to the needs of women who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless due to a wide range of reasons: including domestic violence, poverty, mental illness and drug and alcohol abuse.
How we can help!
Aside from directly donating money, there are other ways that you can show your support. Sacred Heart Mission has now expanded into 13 Op Shops throughout suburban Melbourne, raising much of their funds as well as community awareness for their programs. They are always welcoming donations of good quality clothing and other household items. Have fun shopping in-store or at their online op shop - https://shmonlineopshop.org/
One incredibly fun fundraising event that has operated for several years is their “Give a Frock” campaign. I gathered a crew of my like-minded friends, asked them to raid their wardrobes for quality dresses that they no longer had use for and spent the evening swapping stories and clothes. We had the opportunity to purchase any of the dresses brought along to the event with all funds donated to Sacred Heart Mission, while any unclaimed clothing was donated to the Mission to be sold in one of their shops.
https://www.sacredheartmission.org/
In whatever capacity we can give, let’s continue to do so. Remember if nothing else, the smallest act, a smile, costs nothing at all and can go a very long way!
