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30
Jun
2021
Resilience, kindness and the power of the human spirit are just a few positives that have come out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
All three were on display when Wollongbar resident Kim Green nominated mobile soup kitchen Five Loaves Ballina to receive $2,000.
Kim was one of more than 1,000 people who responded to Healthy North Coast’s recent community consultation on COVID-19 vaccines. Her participation made her eligible for the $2,000 giveaway from Healthy North Coast to a charity of her choice.
A judging panel considered participants’ answers to the question, ‘What are you most looking forward to when the world gets back closer to normal?’ They thought the simplicity, yet depth of Kim’s response was perfect.
‘Hugs – just hugs. Mum’s in aged care, a son in Brisbane, a daughter in Melbourne, and a son in Germany. Just long to hug them.’
Kim’s response provides Five Loaves Ballina an opportunity to further give back to the community.
‘I nominated Five Loaves Ballina because in these times when COVID’s so hard for people who are housed and fed and well-clothed, it must be even harder for those people who rely on volunteer organisations for food, clothing and a sense of community,’ Kim said.
‘We all thought we had it bad, but gee, there are so many people who are worse off.’
Five Loaves Ballina spokesman David Keeler said he was both surprised and extremely grateful to learn of the donation.
‘All our staff are volunteers; after start-up funding from Adventist Community Services we rely on donations from the community and businesses to fund our program,’ David said.
‘We provide free meals two nights a week outside the ADRA Op Shop on the corner of Kerr and Tamar Streets in Ballina. Ever since COVID started we have had to stop serving meals at tables and have had the extra expense of providing packaged meals. This money will go a long way towards helping others.’
Healthy North Coast Chief Executive Julie Sturgess said the responses from across the community showed the impact of lockdowns, isolation and social distancing on families, communities, friends and workplaces was a clear source of sadness and loss for many. She thanked all participants for sharing their thoughts and feedback.
‘These responses help us to understand local attitudes, what people are thinking and how we can continue to support our community through this pandemic,’ Ms Sturgess said.
She said it was great that less fortunate members of the local community would benefit from Kim’s donation to Five Loaves Ballina, which does such a good job helping those in need.
Healthy North Coast is a not-for-profit organisation who delivers the Australian Government’s PHN program on the North Coast.
Pictured: Kim Green, centre, with Five Loaves Ballina representatives Gary Webb and Anne Warne.
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