The Art of Giving: The Importance of Helping Others
No one could have predicted the obstacles 2020 has thrown at us. One thing we’ve definitely all learnt this year is the significance of community and all the simple things in life we take for granted. This year has taught us the importance of giving and how it can benefit the lives of so many, including our own.
The art of giving is a practice that is crucial during these difficult times. To give without the expectation of anything in return is something we all need to reflect on.
Giving back to those in need has the power to change lives, including your own. Giving will boost both your physical and mental health and encourage us all to reconnect during a time full of so many uncertainties.
I was lucky enough to speak to two incredible organisations in the Northern Illawarra who have devoted their valuable time and energy to give back to those who are facing challenging times: Need a Feed, and Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid (NINA).
“The art of giving is a practice that is crucial during these difficult times. To give without the expectation of anything in return is something we all need to reflect on. ”
Need a Feed
Need a Feed is an organisation with a mission to empower, connect and provide food to community members facing tough life circumstances. They provide ‘food gifts’ each week to organisations that then distribute them to people who are in extremely challenging positions.
“Some people leave their homes with nothing but the clothes on their back and their children. We step in and provide food and connect them with other organisations who can help.”
Need a Feed also operates a community coffee van called Need a Coffee in Wollongong. They provide ‘pay what you can’ coffee and a safe space for socially disadvantaged people in need of a caring ear to talk to.
How You Can Help Feed Our Community
Need a Feed relies entirely on private donations, fundraising and grants. Need a Feed explains “One way the community can get involved is to set up a food collection point amongst friends or staff at your workplace so we can then distribute the food to those in need”.
Need a Feed is a registered charity, which means donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Food donations also help in contributing to more environmentally sustainable pathways. They redirect what would become wasted food from landfill and in doing so, help those in need and the environment we all live in.
Need a Feed is about understanding, support and connection for people from all walks of life. Shaz Harrison, Need a Feed’s founder, explains what the ‘art of giving’ is all about perfectly:
“I personally believe that everyone has a story, you never know what someone is experiencing or the hardship they have been through, sometimes through no fault of their own. I had a stage in my life where I was struggling to feed myself and wasn’t sure what to do or what help was out there”,
“It is extremely important and empowering to volunteer or be involved with community organisations, help and listen to those in need, you never know when you yourself may need that support”.
Need a Feed is an inspiring organisation, highlighting the importance that the community come together and do what we can to help those in need. All donations, no matter the size can make someone’s life a little brighter.
“It is extremely important and empowering to volunteer or be involved with community organisations, help and listen to those in need, you never know when you yourself may need that support.”
Northern Illawarra Neighbour Aid (NINA)
NINA is another perfect example of what the art of giving looks like, dedicating their time and resources to providing support to community members living in postcodes 2508 and 2515.
NINA provides individual and group transport and meals on wheels services for community members over 65 years old, or eligible for CHSP services, or are considered ‘transport challenged’. Support with transport and meals is vital, particularly in areas that essential services are not close by.
“In such challenging times, social support is extremely important. These simple acts of kindness enable elderly or disadvantaged community members to experience things we commonly take for granted. ”
They also offer social support through organising individual or group activities, as NINA explains,
“This can be in the form of individual support or group activities, like shopping trips or day trips to various locations”.
In such challenging times, social support is extremely important. These simple acts of kindness enable elderly or disadvantaged community members to experience things we commonly take for granted.
The Importance of Social Support
NINA is heavily reliant on support from volunteers in the community who give up their time to provide incredible assistance to those who need it. Volunteers play a massive role in helping not-for-profits provide vital services and support within the community.
NINA believes “It’s extremely important for community members to stand up and support those living around them. With so many people self isolating and not having the opportunity to get out in public, the need for assistance is great”.
