Giving with a smile

We Care Connect
Genuine. Resilient. Respected.

As a child, Mel knew what it felt like to go without, so she always goes the extra mile for children and families in need.

Mel volunteers for 20 hours a week at children's charity We Care Connect, putting together packages of clothing, linen and baby items for caseworkers helping disadvantaged local children.

Mel is always cheerful, but can't help feeling touched by the children's stories.

She always tries to include special items that meet children's individual needs.

Mel also works outside of the charity's hours, collecting and distributing donated items.

"It's wonderful when caseworkers tell us their clients are so relieved and overwhelmed on receiving the items we gave them," she says.

Such is Mel's dedication that she continued to volunteer even when very stretched herself, after she became the primary carer for her grandson for several months.

Mel overcame her own childhood neglect and qualified as an early childhood educator, a career she loved until she had to retire due to the increasing physical demands required and progression of her arthritis.

"I've now been able to bring my professional background to working with caseworkers; putting together support packages to match children's needs," Mel says.

"I've also known what it's like to be a child in need."

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. We Care Connect will use its grant expanding their programs to meet the increased need in these difficult times.

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