Providing essentials to families

Dandelion Support Network Inc
Hard-working. Caring. Generous.

Sarah Mross has her own family to take care of, but still, she finds many hours a month to help others.

Over the past eight years, Sarah has worked and volunteered for the Dandelion Support Network, which provides families with new and preloved cots, prams, car seats, clothes, toys and linen.

Sarah, a board member, has had many roles, both day-to-day and strategic, including managing the operational side of the charity, raising funds and nurturing partnerships.

Sarah was there in the early days, helping to grow the client base from 125 families a year to more than 2000.

"The families we support may have mental health issues, be experiencing domestic violence, be living with disability, be homeless or at risk of homelessness or may be refugees," says Sarah.

Much work is needed before a generously donated item can be delivered to its appreciative new owner. The volunteers sort, clean, repair and safety check everything before sending it on.

Importantly, the work extends the lifecycle of goods and saves them from landfill.

"Juggling family with Dandelion has been difficult at times, but my passion for making a difference has kept me focused on Dandelion's goal of making a difference in the community," Sarah says.

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. Dandelion Support Network will use its grant to provide 55 families with essential items such as cots, prams, clothes, toys and linen.

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