Meaningful ways to give back to our community this Christmas

Volunteering in your local community can have a profound impact on those less fortunate, and what better time to support those in need that during the holiday season. 

The charities listed below are from our local community in St. Ives and the North Shore of Sydney.  These charities are run mostly by volunteers and they do an important job of helping a wide range of people in need.  Please consider supporting their work in any way you can this holiday season.

Friday Night Street Crew 

The Friday Night Street Crew consists of St. Ives locals who buy, prepare, and serve food to homeless every Friday night in Martin Place

You can support them in a number of ways.  

• Volunteering your time  They rely on volunteers to prepare and serve food each Friday night.  
• Alternatively you can provide them with prepared meals and snacks, a cash donation so they can purchase groceries or gas for their BBQ or you can place a Domino’s pizza order and have it delivered to their meal station. 

See their Facebook page (link below) for information on their work and how you can support them. 

Friday Night Street Crew Facebook link

North Shore Mums Smiles2U 

North Shore Mum’s Smiles2U is a 100% voluntary charity which aims to bring care and comfort to the many children, parents and carers who pass through the Emergency doors of our local hospitals every day.   They provide care packs to help everyone’s needs when disaster strikes. 

This Christmas, you can support North Shore Mums Smiles2U in various ways, such as purchasing a gingerbread house, donating a gift, or assisting with gift wrapping at St. Ives Village (starting from December 16, 2023).

North Shore Mums Smiles2U website   

Sign up to help with gift wrapping at St. Ives Village - click on this link.

Dom’s Place – Hornsby and Crow’s Nest

Dom’s Place supports men, women and families who are experiencing, or are at risk of homelessness.  It is supported by the Catholic Church.

It operates as a ‘one-stop-shop,’ an inclusive space where people can feel safe and connected. Some people pop in to get a meal, wash their clothes and chat with a social worker to address housing needs. Others come and play a game of pool, use the computers and connect with employment pathways. Dom’s Place direct those in need to, counselling groups and mental health support group as are available, as well as referrals to other services as needed.

You can support Dom’s Place in a number of ways including volunteering your time, sharing a skill at their weekly workshops or making a cash donation.  See their website below for information.

Dom’s Place website

Hornsby-Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter

The Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter opened its doors in February 2015 offering safe emergency accommodation and support services to women facing domestic violence and homelessness.

The Shelter can support up to 10 women at a time. Women who cannot be immediately housed can access the HKWS Outreach Program.

You can support them in various ways, including volunteering, making cash donations, and, from time to time, providing specific donations of clothing and furniture.

Hornsby-Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter

https://drct-hkws.prod.supporterhub.net/donations/website-donation-page

Men’s Kitchen 

Men’s kitchen started on the Northern Beaches but now has a number of locations on the North Shore including Lindfield and Turramurra. 

The Men's Kitchen provides a fun, safe, supportive and instructive environment where older men can learn cooking skills and make friends in the process.

You can support Men’s Kitchen by volunteering your time and working in the kitchen with the attendees helping them prepare a meal, and teaching them the ins and outs of the kitchen.  All recipes and instructions are provided.

Contact Men’s Kitchen via email if you would like to know more about this charity or see their Facebook page Men’s Kitchen Facebook

The Salvation Army 

The Salvation Army helps around 70,000 households throughout Australia each year, making sure a sprinkle of Christmas spirit is delivered to those who need it most. 

Sign up to wrap presents, pack hampers, or deliver toys. Alternatively, you can simply donate unwanted clothes or non-perishable foods if you don’t have time to volunteer.

For a full list of volunteer opportunities, click here or visit their website to find your closest branch of The Salvation Army.  

Alternately you can purchase a present at K-mart and place it under The Salvation Army Wishing tree at every K-mart store.

I’m sure there are many more worthy charities in our area. If you know of any, please share their details so we can update our list.. 

It is also important to say that while charities are in the spotlight during the holiday season, they rely on support all year round so please consider supporting them on a regular basis. 

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season from us at Elemental Health.