Bridging the generation gap

Little Helpers on the Run
Tireless. Determined. Unrelenting

Dr Faryal Zehra is spreading love and kindness by reaching out to thousands of isolated and marginalised people with the assistance of a team of enthusiastic, pint-sized volunteers at Little Helpers on the Run.

Faryal put her career on hold to set up the charity, engaging children to look after our vulnerable community members.

Together they have delivered over 4000 kindness projects, promoting improved physical and mental wellbeing in the community; reaching out to elderly residents in over 100 Aged Care Facilities; the homeless and people with disabilities.

“A giving person, a person who takes notice of others, will be a valuable asset to the community.”

Faryal has organised and overseen hundreds of tea parties for the elderly to sustain their social connections and emotional wellbeing. She has raised funds to provide regular healthy breakfasts to over 2500 children at 16 low socioeconomic schools.

The non-profit organisation also provides grocery hampers, fresh fruit and vegetables to families in need.

One of Faryal’s most significant rewards is knowing that caring also benefits the volunteer children’s mental health.

She feels very honoured to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “It’s also a nomination for every volunteer, and it will definitely motivate us to do more for the community. We are bridging the intergenerational gap and improving the quality of life of our elderly”.

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. Little Helpers on the Run will use these funds to expand existing community projects and establish new initiatives, connecting Aged Care Facility residents and school children in the local community.

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