Kindness in a cupboard

Clementine Hartson suffered severe anxiety and depression in high school. It was the wonderful support from the people around her that helped Clem through this challenging time and inspired her to give back to the community. Darling sat down with Clem to learn more about ProjectKindness and a cupboard full of food and necessities in Rozelle.

Through her work with children in foster care, and people with severe mental health and disability challenges, Clem came to realise that further support services in the community were needed. “I wanted to bring joy to the lives of vulnerable people in our community. A kind word or gesture can be very powerful.” In 2017 this realisation developed into ProjectKindness.

ProjectKindness has set up five Kindness Cupboards across Sydney where those in need can help themselves to supplies such as tinned food, baby formula, dry goods and blankets. Rising costs of living has seen a sharp increase in demand.

Balmain is an affluent suburb but there are many people within our community experiencing food insecurity. Clem believes that there is no greater human right than secure access to adequate food and says, “The Kindness Cupboards allow those in need anonymity when benefiting from the pantry items. The cupboards also provide an opportunity for members of the community to give back.”

“It’s the support of locals that keeps our community Kindness Cupboards ticking. We encourage those who can support us by placing basic essentials in the cupboards or donate via our website. Non-perishable items such as tinned vegetables and fruit, pasta, soup, long life milk, baby food, breakfast cereal, muesli bars, toothbrushes, toiletries, new blankets and pillows are always welcome.”

Rozelle got its own Kindness Cupboard earlier this year and local artist Kirana Haag was approached to paint it. Kirana says,

“My inspiration was to create a colourful, fun, light-filled beacon that would put a smile on the faces of those donating and accepting donations from it. Colour has such a magnificent way of changing the mood in a space and my wish is that this cupboard brings happiness and hope to the community”.

Our local Kindness Cupboard is in the garden at together2, 754-756 Darling Street, Rozelle.