The life-changing joy of helping others

Dedicated. Caring. Gentle

Janine Wood loves helping others and co-founded No Limits Perth with two police officers to offer random acts of kindness to those in crisis.

The charity redistributes furniture, white goods, linen, toys, emergency packs and food to people who are struggling to make ends meet.

Those who benefit include victims of domestic violence needing to start over, people who have been made redundant, single-parented families or pensioners.

The mission is to give everyone a second chance, without judgment, at no cost and expecting nothing in return.

Although happily married for the past 25 years, Janine is a survivor of domestic violence and understands how it feels to need support.

She is humbled to have been voted a Westfield Local Hero. “I am very grateful because the work we do is obviously making a difference. For many, the donations have been life-changing, and doing the work has been just as life-changing for us.”

Janine is proud that all practical donations reach those in need at no cost through the efforts of volunteers.

She also organises the distribution of more than 1000 food hampers a year for the needy and uses her background in education and qualifications in pastoral and youth care to provide guidance and support.

Known for her compassionate outlook, Janine says the work of the charity helps to build stronger communities.

“We have seen time and again that when we involve the local community in the opportunity of participating and in helping someone back onto their feet, the community unites together.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with three people per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. No Limits Perth will use its grant to buy fuel and to pay delivery staff.

“We have a lot of volunteers. Some are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, so the grant means we can now pay them to help us with deliveries and much-needed help. We value people and for us to be able to offer something in return for their effort is huge.”

__For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here. __