Creating human connection

Sydney Friendship Circle
Dedicated. Committed. Talented

Chana Kavka started the Sydney Friendship Circle with one volunteer and a big dream. Today she galvanises hundreds of young people with disabilities to engage with each other and society.

The Friendship Circle was launched 15 years ago and offers regular Sunday activities and other opportunities for children, teenagers and young adults, with and without disabilities. A crucial element is the connection fostered between volunteers and the families they help.

Chana has kept a local, family-focused flavour as the Friendship Circle has grown in numbers and reputation. At present, she supports nearly 100 families.

Chana’s latest project is a non-profit bakery to give people with disability an opportunity to bake and sell delicious food at the Mark Moran Vaucluse retirement village, creating a connection between young people and elderly people.

“The best thing about my work is that we connect people who may never have connected,” says Chana, a former special education and preschool teacher.

Chana says it feels special to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “It demonstrates that you have made a material difference in people’s lives. “This will inspire our team to keep going. One day everyone will be counted and will have the opportunity to contribute to our collective future.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Sydney Friendship Circle will use its funds to engage a pastry chef and head trainer for the non-profit’s new bakery in Vaucluse.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here