Compassionate Heroes Ballarat eBook

B A L L A R A T

Compassionate Heroes Ballarat A collaborative project between Compassionate Ballarat and Loreto College Ballarat

compassionballarat@gmail.com www.compassionateballarat.com.au

Preface

18 Creative Pins for a Cause - Sophie

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Introduction - Eliza & Chloe

20 Caring for Homeless Pets - Indiana, Coco & Belle

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The Importance of Stories - Karen Sparnon

21 Recording Stories for School Children - Poppy

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Our Stories of Compassion

22 Being an Agent for Change - Gabriel

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Spreading Sunshine Letters to the Homeless - Ailish

24 Raising Money for Cancer Research - Brandon

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Creating a Magazine to Help Others - Matilda

25 Raising Money for Guide Dogs - Hannah

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Going Red for Cancer Research - Ruby

26 Making Care Packs for Others - Millie

10 Standing up to be a Mini Vinnies Leader - Sadie

28 iPads Helping Others with a Disability - Keeley

11 Creating Christmas cards for Aged Care Residents - Will & Sadie

30 Goodie Bags for Friends in Lockdown - Addie

12 Making COVID masks for Aged Care - Ethan 14 Coaching through COVID - Breeanna 16 Raising Funds to Support Others Supporting Others - Jake

31 Looking Out for Others - Olivia & Jessica 32 About the Charter 33 Acknowledgments

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September 2021

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Introduction Preface As part of the Loreto College year 12 religious education curriculum, Compassionate Ballarat collaborated with two year 12 students, Eliza & Chloe, to compile stories of compassionate action initiated by primary and secondary school students across Ballarat. Chloe and Eliza gathered stories of their peers, who have actively responded to suffering they have encountered in amazing ways.

The stories in this book have been collected and will be shared across our city, to cities across Australia and the world via the global Charter for Compassion.

The new science of compassion tells us that compassionate action supports us in being helpful rather than harmful, and assembling these individual stories provide a community-wide story of the ways in which compassion is being demonstrated in Ballarat by this City’s future adults.

As part of our RE class this year, we were given the opportunity to volunteer in the community, hoping to make a difference after what has been a challenging time for so many. When we first heard about Compassionate Ballarat, we thought it was a great initiative and really admired the impact they were having in the Ballarat community.

In the midst of COVID-19 and its impact on the Ballarat region, we have seen first hand the challenges that have been presented to the community, so when this project was proposed to us, we thought that it could have a really positive impact on the community. The stories in this eBook have meant so much to everyone involved in them, and we hope that by collating and sharing them we can spread a sense of hope and positivity about the future. This project has also proven to us that you should never underestimate the impact of a kind action, no matter how small. It's been a really great experience to see how many young people are carrying out compassionate acts in Ballarat. We’re so grateful to have this opportunity to work with the team at Compassionate Ballarat and are excited to see the impact these stories will have.

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Compassion has been defined as the willingness to see the humanity and suffering in others, including those not like us, with a preparedness to take action to heal that suffering.

We are Eliza and Chloe, two year 12 students from Loreto College Ballarat and we have teamed up with Compassionate Ballarat to bring together the Compassionate Heroes Book.

The Importance of Stories

discovery might be either a physical quest through landscape, or a quest to clarify an unresolved aspect

stories tell us who we are

something nags at his/her consciousness. If the call is heeded, there follows an extended period of tests

They might face physical, mental, or emotional challenges. And, crucially, their journeys of challenge and of the inner self. All these journeys start with a call. The protagonist is in a safe, everyday world but and trials as the hero weaves an unsteady path towards a goal. Of course, there are often allies and

celebration, these stories ground us in the wonder of our shared lives. They also become part of our individual lives, shared connections resonating deep within us. Some of these we carry forward into our futures; others we choose to leave behind. And from this place we go on to write our own life story, filled with its own joys, sorrows, hopes and fears. At some point on this journey, we will look deeper into ourselves and explore our motivations and secret longings. The time and profundity is different for each of us. And from this exploration we calibrate the personal story we then tell our children and grandchildren. From childhood to maturity, we absorb, learn and create. At times we struggle and the road ahead is fraught, but wisdom waits behind every experience. We are the heroes of our own stories.

In our individual ways we continue the millennia-old tradition of The Hero’s Journey. It has always been

challenge face off before, once again, moving inexorably towards the final goal. One of the earliest and most well-known hero’s journey is Homer’s The Odyssey; the epic journey of Odysseus from the Trojan War around 1300 BC to his home on the island of Ithaca. Odysseus battles the gods, elements and monsters in a tale that climaxes when he makes a journey to the Underworld to discover how best to make his way home. Odysseus eventually reaches Ithaca, but then undergoes a further domestic battle before life with wife Penelope can resume. Homer’s tale took place over three and a half thousand years ago, and was originally delivered in oral form. A rapt audience listened intently as a bard told of “the wine-dark sea” and “young Dawn with her rose-red fingers”, using such tropes as anchors in a feat of bardic recitation. The Odyssey contains 12,109 lines! The Odyssey is an epic on a monumental scale, but our journeys are no less important. Jump forward to 2021 and we are still undergoing journeys of discovery and return.

this way. Many books have been written about The Hero’s Journey. One of the most notable of these is Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Campbell sets the hero’s journey out in stages.

He/she can come from any culture or ethnicity.

©

Dr Karen Sparnon

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From the time we are young, grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles regale us with tales from the family past. Filled with feats of endurance and survival, tragedy and

even mentors, who assist and guide. But almost always there is the darkest point when the hero and the

Ailish - Spreading Sunshine Letters to the Homeless so alone. I wanted to do something to show homeless people that other people did care about them.

What action did you take?

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What difference did that make to you?

What suffering did you see?

I saw homeless people sleeping on the side of the street, looking cold and lonely all by themselves. I could not understand why people were walking past, without even looking at them.

What prompted you to take this action?

After I saw people sleeping on the street, I thought about it for a few weeks. I thought it would be really sad to feel

It makes me feel really happy when I see people smiling, or sometimes with tears of happiness when they receive a letter. It’s nice to see that a small letter makes a difference in their day.

What difference did that make to those who received?

I think people who receive a sunshine letter know there are people out there who care about them. I know it makes a difference to how they feel, many homeless people have said thank you.

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I talked to my family about ways I could help homeless people to know other people did care about them.

I visited some places that help homeless people, and then I started to write some letters. I asked my family, friends and teachers if they would like to write a letter too. I began to collect letters and I took them to the Soup bus and the Shower bus for homeless people.

I asked my dad to build a letter box to collect letters at school, and we painted it yellow. I called them ‘Sunshine Letters’ because the sun makes you feel warm and happy.

Matilda - Creating a magazine to help others

Ruby - Going Red for Cancer Research

What action did you take?

What action did you take?

After gaining support from peers and teachers at my school, Emmaus Catholic Primary School, I began the journey of creating The Little Issue, a social justice magazine for kids. I became editor and have had contributions from lots of other kids and some adults.

The Little Issue features social and environmental justice stories, puzzles, craft, and interviews nearly all written by kids, for kids. There is a special section called ‘Never Too Young To Change The World’ which features kids making a difference in their communities.

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What difference did that make to you?

What suffering did you see?

I saw someone selling the Big Issue and after researching, found out that the Big Issue is sold by people who are homeless or disadvantaged. These people have experienced difficulties in their lives, which has made it hard for them to earn money for living expenses.

What prompted you to take this action?

I was inspired by the idea behind The Big Issue but knew that this magazine was for adult readers. I thought there should be a kid-friendly magazine that helped others and informed kids about important issues. I love that The Big Issue supports people who are homeless and I wanted my magazine to do the same.

I started The Little Issue in 2018 when I was eight years old. I have been grateful for the help of others to get my idea off the ground. People have been so kind and always willing to help the magazine. I have learned a lot through this process and feel very proud that I can make a difference in the world, even if it is in a small way.

What difference did that make to those who received?

We sell The Little Issue for $5 a copy. There have been four editions so far. All the proceeds go directly to The Soup Bus in Ballarat. The Soup Bus provides meals for the homeless and disadvantaged members of the Ballarat community. They also support young people to go to school through a scholarship program. I feel so happy that I can help these people.

What difference did that make to you?

What suffering did you see?

In July 2020 my poppy lost his battle to cancer.

What prompted you to take this action?

After losing my poppy to cancer I knew I wanted to make a difference so no one else should have to go through the same pain and suffering. After visiting my friend Lilly at her fundraiser for Relay For Life, I was inspired to start my own fundraiser. I chose The National Breast Cancer Foundation in honour of my late Great nanny Ivy and my grant aunts who have all battled with breast cancer.

It meant the money I had raised was going to make a change and I had achieved my goal of making a difference.

What difference did that make to those who received?

The money raised goes towards research into early detection and preventative treatments for breast cancer, which is vital to increasing survival rates and helping The National Breast Cancer Foundation step closer to their goal: zero deaths from breast cancer by 2030.

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On Wednesday the 27th June, 2021, I coloured my hair pink as part of my pledge for the #go pink campaign in June to raise money for The National Breast Cancer Foundation. I wanted to gain as much awareness as I could and even though it went against the schools rules to come to school with coloured hair, I talked to the principle about my project and they agreed to make an exception to the rule, if I chose the last day of term. I was happy to do this and happy I could raise the greatest amount of awareness.

Sadie - Standing up to be a Mini Vinnies Leader

Will & Sadie Creating Christmas cards for Aged Care Residents

What prompted you to take this action?

Just seeing the people around me suffer made me think “right, I’m going to help them however I can even if it’s difficult for me.”

What action did you take?

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I decided to try and get the job of being a Mini Vinnies leader at school, and I got it. I wanted to reach out to those in need by running fundraisers and getting others in our community to donate.

What difference did that make to you?

What suffering did you see?

Helping them made such a difference to my life. It made me be so much more grateful for everything and everyone I have. It also encouraged me to be the best and most positive person I could possibly be.

I saw others that weren’t as wealthy as me and that couldn’t afford to buy the everyday essentials that we need to live.

What difference did that make to those who received?

They looked so worried about what would happen to them and that’s what made me want to give them and their families a hand.

It made them very happy that people really wanted to help them and support them to succeed in life.

What suffering did you see?

We thought about old people living in aged care who do not have families.

What prompted you to take this action?

I thought about how sad it must be for them, and I wanted to help them feel less lonely.

What action did you take?

We got all the students in our class to make Christmas

cards and then we delivered them to people living in nursing homes.

What difference did that make to you?

It makes me feel happy because we helped people not feel alone at Christmas.

What difference did that make to those who received?

I could see they were happy. They had smiles on their faces, and they felt like someone cared about them.

Ethan - Making COVID Masks for Aged Care What suffering did you see?

What concern did you have?

As a shortage of masks loomed, l had a heightened awareness of Ballarat's most disadvantaged and homeless accessing or affording a simple but life saving face mask.

So the decision was easy - free homemade masks.

What prompted you to take this action?

The enormity of Covid 19 and those marginalised or disadvantaged weighed heavily. I understood the power of generosity and the ripple effect it creates. l decided to focus my energy on making the lives of others a little brighter.

From a young age I was taught 'every problem has a solution' I was eager to take action and make Nanna a reusable face mask. So l consulted YouTube and taught myself the basics of sewing. I was also concerned and determined to help keep Ballarat’s disadvantaged and homeless safe as well. So l rallied a couple of helpers and kept sewing until those in need received a free reusable face mask. I then wrote letters to local businesses who graciously donated mini bottles of hand sanitiser and chocolate. (Not only does it taste sooo good, but chocolate is scientifically proven to produce feelings of happiness). Each person received a bag containing a personalised note, mask, mini sanitiser and chocolate.

What difference did that make to you?

When I made kindness part of my daily life, l discovered how little effort it took. Giving from an open heart is as much a gift for the giver as it is for the receiver. Within us we have the ability to show

kindness to a stranger by a simple gesture. Little gifts of thought can transform a person’s day and potentially their life when kindness is part of it. This has always been my personal experience. I realised I had the ability to create change rather than focusing on myself and my challenges in life.

I may be one, but connecting with others, simply shining more light in the world - can make a beautiful difference.

‘Together we can change the world.’

What difference did that make to those who received?

Seniors have given so much of their lives to helping others, so l think they were surprised and appreciative that a young person was thinking of them and concerned about their safety and well-being. The masks in the care package were distributed anonymously to the most vulnerable within the community in order to protect their privacy.

I hope all the recipients felt loved and protected and felt as much joy as l did.

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Initially I was concerned about my Nanna contracting Covid 19 and voiced my concerns at home.

What action did you take?

What suffering did you see?

What action did you take?

Due to the coronavirus lockdown, basketball was not able to go ahead and saw many school students fitness decrease due to the lack of both equipment and guidance they would usually get from a coach or from their teammates. Lots of my students in particular were upset to not be playing which led me to feel sad for them. This was the moment I knew I could do something.

After seeing the kids upset and hearing from their parents over text that they missed both me and basketball I decided that lockdown was not going to stop us from having the fun we usually would at training. I asked their parents if they would be interested and they all replied saying yes! I set up a zoom call and sent out the invites (U/10’s were on Tuesdays and U/12’s were on Thursdays each week) They all joined and we began to do basic dribbling drills and exercises that we would usually have done at training – these sessions lasted 30 minutes and they all loved it!

What prompted you to take this action?

Seeing them upset and miserable over not being able to come to training and socialise with myself and their teammates made me feel sad and upset also. It’s my job to keep up their skills and have a good time. I realized lockdown didn't need to stop me doing my job, especially when I had things like video calls and social media to do so.

What difference did that make to you?

Seeing them happy and hearing about what they did at school that day and how they were going, even

meeting some of their siblings and pets made me feel good and fulfilled knowing that my job was done even during a pandemic.

What difference did that make to those who received?

Students could stay physically active in a fun and interesting way where as well as stay connected to their teammates and me. It also enabled them to share part of their home life with their teammates.

Talking to each other about daily life brought them closer together and built team chemistry. I'm happy to say this definitely showed on the court after lockdown ended!

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Breeanna - Coaching through COVID

Jake Raising Funds to Support Others Supporting Others What suffering did you see?

What prompted you to take this action?

I distinctly remember returning home from a visit to Melbourne, I was really sad about seeing all the homeless people sleeping on the street. Mum and I went online and started looking at ways to help and saw a YouTube clip about the street swags. After investigating we discovered swags only costs $95 so that was my goal to purchase 1 sleep swag.

What action did you take?

In 2015 mum offered me a chocolate advent calendar but I asked if she could make me a Happiness Advent Calendar, a quote to read each day to remind me of how lucky I am. I decided that we should try and sell a

Mum went onto FB and asked if anyone would like to buy my calendars. In the first night we made enough money to buy 2 sleep swags – within days orders were going crazy, so we engaged a printer and made professional calendars. I choose all the quotes and my mum designs them.

My sister, mum and I spend June to October printing, binding and packaging up the calendars. People can order on my FB page and we have sent them all over Australia and even overseas. I also sell at local markets from October to December and I have a number of local shops who sell them. My project goal for Happiness Advent Calendars is to spread happiness and raise money for people in need. After five years I have created six different calendars and by the end of 2020, I have donated $19,500 to local homeless charities, including, Sleep swags, Anglicare Ballarat, The Soup Bus, The Shower Bus, St Vincent De Paul and Uniting Care Ballarat.

The latest census data tells us that one in 200 people in Ballarat are homeless or at risk and vulnerable, so it feels good knowing that I can assist some of the local organisations helping those in need. I have been humbled by meeting many of the volunteers who work at these organisations and do such fabulous work and are always extremely grateful to receive cash donations to assist with their work. I have seen first hand, the One Humanity Shower Bus in operation, met with volunteers who run the Anglicare breakfast program, assisted in stacking shelves at the Soup bus and heard about the number of locals they feed each week and the volumes of food required to do so. I have met many wonderful people at these local organisations and seen the difference they are making motivates me to raise more money.

What difference did you make to those in need?

I’ve purchased and donated large numbers of tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats and food vouchers to Uniting Care for people who are at crisis point and they feel comforted knowing there is somewhere to turn to. The local organisations are a life line to vulnerable people in the community and by me selling my calendars and making an annual donation I feel it

contributes in a small way. At first I thought I was too young to make a difference until I realised that I can actually do something!! One of my favourite quotes which inspired me and features in one of my calendars, is "Even if I am little, I can do a LOT!"

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For as long as I can remember I have been worried about homeless people and wanted to help. When I was 8, I would lie awake and worry where people without a home or somewhere safe to shelter would go on rainy nights.

few of my Happiness Advent Calendars ideas to raise money for the swags.

What difference did that make to you?

Sophie - Creative Pins for a Cause During the Covid-19 lockdowns, I saw just how badly it was affecting everyone’s mental health. From my point of view, I saw how being isolated from friends and family was harder for some than others, and wanted to be able to help those whose mental health wasn’t doing too well, especially the mental health of young people.

What prompted you to take this action?

I had been accepted to be a part of the Western Bulldogs Leadership Program just prior to the first lockdown in 2020. This program was aimed at young people aged 13–16 to apply and focused on teaching and enhancing leadership skills and teamwork and applying them to making a difference in your community. One of the main goals of the program was to encourage participants to make their own social impact project by focusing a particular passion into a project that helps the community. This got me thinking

What action did you take?

I created a social impact project called ‘Clay Pins for a Cause’, where $2 from each $12 pin would be donated to Headspace Ballarat. I designed, handcrafted, and painted each of these pins hoping that they would be able to make others smile. I then attached a brooch on the back of each Clay Pin for people to wear and spread the joy and finished with a shiny topcoat for durability and looks.

The project was advertised on my social media, where people could message me to place an order for a Clay Friend. This project combined both my love for the arts and helping others together.

What difference did that make to you?

I was overwhelmed by the support that my clay pins received, which led me to collaborate with local artist

Shelby Sherritt on a limited-edition clay pin design and becoming involved with Headspace Ballarat for my fundraising efforts. As a result of my project, I won my school’s Junior Social Justice Award and was nominated, and won, the 2020 Young Citizen of the Year Award for the Golden Plains Shire Council. Not only did this project lead me to build new relationships, but I also felt so happy that I was able to hopefully put a smile on someone’s face with my pins and help those in need through donating to Headspace. Knowing that I could have impacted someone’s day makes me feel so happy and encourages me to continue to help others!

What difference did that make to those who received?

I was able to raise $461 for Headspace Ballarat, and hopefully able to put some smiles on faces in the meantime. I chose Headspace Ballarat because they are a mental health organisation that targets young people aged 12-25. Their services are free and help with mental health, physical health, drug and alcohol support, and educational and vocational support.

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What suffering did you see?

about what I could do to help the Ballarat community, so I combined my passions of art and helping others together to come up with my project, ‘Clay Pins for a Cause’.

Indianna, Coco & Belle - Caring for Homeless Pets Poppy - Recording Stories for School Children What suffering did you see?

What suffering did you see?

What action did you take?

My sisters and I were worried about homeless animals who didn't have owners to give them special love, so our mum arranged for us to visit the Animal Shelter.

Fortunately the animal shelter cats were not suffering and the environment they were living in was great. We saw one cat under a blanket in a cage in a different area as it had not been treated well and had turned feral and mean. The staff are working at helping it feel better and if there is a change, it will be re-homed eventually.

We got to feed the animals and give them love because they don't have owners and the workers there are very busy. We were able to help feed and look after the animals.

What difference did that make to you?

It made me feel happy to be kind and to donate my time and it made me feel good to see these animals being cared for and not on the street.

What prompted you to take this action?

What difference did it make to those who received?

Our mum signed us on as we love cats and kittens and don't have one at home. I was hoping to see and care for kittens in particular. It was really fun and I got to meet new animals and meet the staff and I am grateful that we got to help them during Covid-19.

It made a difference to the animals because it made them happy to be given attention and love during the Covid-19 period when less staff or volunteers are allowed in. It made a difference to the workers because they appreciated the extra hands.

I also know that some children are not as fortunate as I am, to have someone read to them each day.

What prompted you to take this action?

To create cheer and share my love of books.

What action did you take?

I had my mum assist me to record me reading two four picture books every day. We ended up with more than 100 stories. They were then forwarded to my amazing school principal and PYP coordinator.

What difference did that make to you?

I felt like I was there reading my prep buddy/buddies a story to cheer them up, so it made me really happy knowing I was making someone’s day brighter.

The children have listened to and enjoyed all the books I have read after they complete there daily school work.

I kept getting appreciation emails from the younger years teachers.

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I noticed that my brother hadn’t heard from any of his friends and was getting lonely. So I created this idea to remind him and the younger year levels that we were all going through the same thing, and to cheer them up.

What difference did that make to those who received?

Gabriel - Being an Agent for Change I was born blind. I currently have some limited vision but am legally blind. With the help of my family and friends as well as the many professionals who have been involved in my care, I have worked hard to overcome any challenges that my vision impairment causes so that I can help my fellow young citizens achieve their best whilst making a positive difference to the Ballarat community. As a young person with a disability, who is very involved in our community, I have become aware of the many issues that challenge our youth and those with a disability. I have been driven from a young age to do my best to make a difference.

What prompted you to take this action?

Living with a disability and knowing that with the right support and encouragement, no matter what challenges we have, we can all achieve our very best lives.

I am very passionate about our local community and am involved with many committees and groups. I love working with other young people, encouraging them and helping them to achieve their best. Through my involvement with the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), I helped to create online content to assist young people who are experiencing violence at home, consulted with the Commissioner for Children and Young People regarding issues affecting young people in the Central Highlands region, and participated in the YMCA Youth Parliament where my group developed a bill regarding mental health and care post-suicide attempt.

What difference did it make to you?

I was honoured to be named Ballarat's Young Citizen of the Year for 2021 in recognition of my advocacy for both young people and people with a disability. I have also won a YacVic Rural Youth Award, and am currently consulting with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) on a youth led climate adaptation project. I am a member of the City of Ballarat Youth Council and have been involved in many projects and community events during my time on the Council. I have also received a Vision Australia Fairhall Memorial Award and since given presentations to various community groups regarding the adaptive

technology options available to help both students and those in the general population living with blindness and low vision. After completing the YDAS Emerging Young Leaders Program, I have used the skills and contacts that I made throughout the program to continue to advocate for greater opportunities for people with a disability. Recently, I have been invited to be a founding member of the Commissioner for Children and Young People's Youth Council Youth Network and am very excited about this new opportunity to be able to make a positive difference in young people’s lives.

What difference did that make to those who received?

I hope I am able to help instill life skills and I am particularly proud of the resilience of youth in Ballarat during the various lockdowns and how they have managed to support each other and the wider Ballarat community. I consider it to be an honour to be able to provide support and assistance to others in both our local and broader community. It has been heartening to witness the compassion and strength that we have shown during these challenging times.

We are all heroes of our own story and within our own community. Each act of kindness is an act of heroism.

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What suffering did you see?

What action did you take?

Brandon - Raising Money for Cancer Research

Hannah - Raising Money for Guide Dogs What suffering did you see?

Because some people can't see and I want the dogs to help them but just in a different way.

What prompted you to take this action?

Firstly I love animals and seeing is very important to everyone.

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I asked my friends to give money instead of presents for my birthday. I donated half of the money to Seeing Eye Dogs.

What suffering did you see?

I was motivated to help because cancer is awful and I really wanted to make people feel better.

What prompted you to take this action?

My mum told me about FECRI and I found it really intriguing.

money to help cancer research because cancer research is really expensive. I still got to spend half of my money and get a present. It was a win: win really.

What difference did that make to you?

It was good to feel like I was helping and making a difference in the world. I was able to help people in need.

What action did you take?

What difference did that make to those who received?

I asked my friends to give me money rather than presents for my birthday. I donated half of my birthday

I think they felt motivated to work even harder. It will help them buy more stuff for their research.

What difference did that make to you?

I felt proud because I haven't done stuff like this before.

I was pretty happy with myself for helping someone.

What difference did that make to those who received?

They were really happy to get more stuff and supplies for the dogs so the dogs can help people see.

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What action did you take?

Millie - Making Care Packs to Help Others

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What action did you take?

What suffering did you see/what prompted you to take this action?

Prior to this, I, like most of us was obviously aware of the issues of homelessness, and the problems its known to cause among the community, but was certainly not aware as to quantity of people it affected nor to the extremities of specific cases. But, during the first

After hearing about that struggles thousands of men, women and children within our community faced on a daily bases, all while coming to terms and adapting to our new ‘normal’, I instantly made the decision that instead of standing back, hoping someone else will step in, I was going to. So, after completing some research, I discovered the idea of the ‘blessing bag’; a care package consisting of sanitary and hygiene items, made as an attempt to support those who may find it difficult to afford such necessities.

What difference did that make to you?

After the initial donation, I was flooded with emotions, as I felt so accomplished and proud of my actions.

But after some thought, I came to the realisation that although yes, I had shown my support for those in a time of hardship, this wasn’t about me, this was about so much more than a singular individual. This was about playing my part in a better future. As this is an issue that needs support from the whole community in order to incite change. With every person I speak too on this topic, I greatly encourage every single one of them to think about what they are passionate about, and see how they can get involved. As projects and

actions of pure kindness like these are what I believe is the only way to ever see a difference, both within our community, and across the country. As difficult situations of hardship, like millions have been faced with over the last 18 months alone, can affect anyone, and are known to happen suddenly and unexpectedly.

So be that person to make that change, be that person who takes that action, for we never know when we may be on the receiving end.

What difference did that make to those who received?

Due to my donation being purely anonymous, leaving it in the hands of Melbourne City Mission to distribute the packs to those in need, I am unable to make a comment on how it affected each individual. But hearing some of the stories of those faced with homelessness, it’s common to experience feelings of insignificance and to question your purpose and meaning in life, with many admitting they experienced a severe decline in their mental health and wellbeing while being faced with these hardships. I can just hope that whoever received these packs, and to all those in similar situations, they know that they are not alone, and that they do have a purpose and do matter!

Hopefully receiving one of these packs may have opened their eyes to the fact that there are people out there who care about them, and there are organisations who provide support and safety to all those facing homelessness. As long as a singular person was impacted by my care packages, I’m pleased to say, that to me, that’s all that matters.

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lockdown in March of 2020, I like many others found myself spending numerous hours a day scrolling through the media, where I came across many stories of individuals who due to the lockdown found themselves out of work and in a situation of financial hardship. Many of whom prior to covid-19, the possible threat of this never crossed their mind, so when these issues arose, they were both unexpected and unprepared for, with statistics claiming that within that first week of lockdown alone, just over 200,000 Victorians found themselves out of work. Thanks to social media platforms, I was made aware that now, more than perhaps ever before, people were in great need of support.

At this time, I was just going on 15 and recently started my first part-time job and had already acquired a decent amount of savings, money I decided couldn’t be used in better way than for the benefit for those in less fortunate situations than I was at that time. Over the course of the next week, I had put together a total of 16 care packs, with items ranging from deodorant, soap, tooth brush and paste, mouth wash, facial wipes and sanitary pads to other items like non-perusable foods, re-useable drink bottles, beanies, chap sticks and socks. After creating these packages, I was faced with challenge of finding a not-for-profit organisation willing to accept these bags at that current time, with many shutting their doors to donations due to the pandemic. But gratefully enough, Melbourne City Mission, an organisation particularly driven to supporting youth faced with financial hardship and/or homelessness, were willing and happy to accept and distribute my ‘blessing bags’.

Keeley - iPads Helping Others with a Disability I felt, as a youth with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities, my additional learning needs were not noticed in the classroom. I felt I was being moved through the schooling system without achieving the necessary academic results. I felt I needed technology to help me learn the current taught curriculum and my family didn't have the resources to provide it. I imagined there would be many other children with similar challenges.

What prompted you to take this action?

I had experienced the challenge of coping in the main stream schooling system through my own personal journey. I was "passed" in grade 6 but could not comprehend the work, couldn’t do maths and didn’t know my times tables. A later assessment showed that I was functioning at a grade 3-4 level, had an Intellectual Disability and required a full time aide.

Through Battling depression and feeling disappointed that people with disabilities did not seem to have equal opportunities to an education with not being able to use technology to learn, I made it my mission to

change that and be a voice to support other children with disabilities to receive an education. I believe “We all have a right to an education and fulfilling our dreams of becoming someone someday too.” Keeley’s Cause was created.

What action did you take?

I created Keeley’s’ Cause to raise funds to help provide children with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities of low socioeconomic families with iPads. To help these children fulfil their future dreams.

What difference did that make to you?

A huge difference. It gave me a purpose to make a difference to others, to support children with disabilities who were not receiving support, education and merely being set aside as we were placed in the too hard basket. Neurodiverse people are not unintelligent, they are quite intelligent. Despite disabilities and differences to others, neurodiverse individuals have loads of ability; they just need the right equipment and support to enhance their ability to learn.

What difference did that make to those who received it?

Keeley’s cause has made a huge difference to other children with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities.

The iPads provide a security blanket to a world that they/we understand completely on a whole different level to others. They assist children to receive education tailored to their individual needs, providing them with a sense of self worth knowing that they too can also achieve anything with the use of technology.

We have helped children across Australia to communicate and interact even if they are non verbal or suffer anxiety without the confidence to speak out loud. They can communicate through emoji apps, picture base wording, that can help them regulate meltdowns etc. iPads enable them to plan schedules as they do not cope well with sudden changes which in turn helps to ease anxieties. iPads give us hope that we are able, capable and equal to others, it ensures we are included in our school environment and assists us to become effective members of our communities. iPads not only change the child’s life but the whole families dynamic.

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What suffering did you see?

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