If you’ve recently picked up one of our mags you may have read our piece on the kindness heroes of the Central Coast. We truly have a “kind Coast community” to be proud of.
Volunteer on the Central Coast
We chatted to Sharyn Becker and some of Coast’s other charitable humans to find out what kindness means to them.
According to Because We Care Boutique Central Coast’s Sharyn Becker, “Kindness is the new black,” and we couldn’t agree more.
Fifteen years ago, as a community care worker she noticed care packs were often distributed to vulnerable children, but not their mothers. The “Because We Care” packs she then helped pull together for women let them know someone cared.
The packs soon made way for the Because We Care Boutique at Glenning Valley, where women facing adversity can be supported through workshops, be mentored, and even styled to give them the skills, confidence (and outfit!) to take the next step towards gaining financial security and independence.
“By the time they leave us it’s like they’ve been to the Easter Show, they can feel the love and support in the room,” Sharyn said.
“You can’t put a price on that, on the difference we’re making in their lives. Kindness is the new black – it costs nothing to be kind.”
The Because We Care Boutique‘s current mission is to sign up 50 Boutique Sista Sponsorships in 50 Days. Anyone who becomes a Sista will be invited to a celebratory free lunch at the Sunken Monkey on Tuesday, September 19 as a thank you.
RELATED: We meet the Eco Warriors of Eco Destination the Central Coast
Central Coast Charities to Support
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After his widowed mother would return from a long day away from her children working to make ends meet, Abraham and his seven siblings would tell her the angel had been.
“Whoever left that box there – it’s never left my heart or my mind,” he remembers all of these years later.
“Kindness means wholeheartedly giving without any strings attached. Little deeds can stick in memory banks for years to come.”
Pastor Abraham and his wife, Allyson, now lead a group of about 30 volunteers to distribute 100 grocery hampers a fortnight to those in need across the Central Coast.
Their Faith in Action Ministry at The Entrance also helps the community with a charity ‘pie van’, free food pantry and charity clothing boutique.
Abraham said generosity was “standing in the gap when no one else is willing to,” which fortunately for the Central Coast Community, is a belief shared by many.
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Local handyman Mark Mahot doesn’t need to be convinced either – he covers costs for about one job a fortnight for someone doing it tough.
He is a strong believer in the pay it forward movement and encourages everyone to try to show a little kindness in their day.
“If you see someone in need, offer to help, it doesn’t have to be an expensive gesture or come from your pocket, if someone’s looking flat just saying ‘hi’ can make a difference,” he said, humbly reasoning that: “you get the kindness back.”
Sometimes those who need to receive kindness might not know how to ask. That’s why Chris Taylor from Wyong’s Taylor’d Automotive Services is setting up Mindset Mechanical, a support group for men using mechanical knowledge to help explain mental health.
“Just as a machine requires regular maintenance to function properly, our minds also require care and attention to stay healthy,” Chris said.
“By framing mental health in terms of maintenance and repair, men may be more likely to prioritise their mental health and seek the support they need.”
KEEP READING:
Support We Care Connect the Central Coast Charity with a mission to end childhood poverty.
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