Helping vulnerable children and young people is why Linda Gravina volunteers with the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.
“At this stage of my life, I really want to focus on helping those who are in need,” Linda said.
Linda has been volunteering with the Foundation for around six months, helping to pack Buddy Bags.
Buddy Bags are backpacks thoughtfully packed for vulnerable children across Australia experiencing crisis, trauma, or doing it tough in emergency foster care.
These children and young people often arrive scared and alone, separated from parents or siblings, with nothing more than the clothes they are wearing.
When they open their Buddy Bag, the first thing they see is a teddy bear, followed by essentials from a toothbrush and toothpaste to PJs, underwear and socks.
Linda also volunteers in the supporter care area, where she updates databases.
“I really enjoy connecting with donors when I’m updating the databases. They are so lovely and friendly, and happy to chat. I always finish up the day with positive feelings.”
She decided to volunteer with the Foundation because of her connection with Richmond Football Club.
“My husband, Simon Matthews, is the club’s chief marketing officer and he’s always saying how fantastic the Foundation is, and how the work it does is really impactful.”
Linda also really admires the Foundation’s work.
“Keeping children safe resonates with me,” she said. “Being there for them is very important. The Foundation works hard to try and prevent the trauma from happening in the first place, as well as being there for children and young people when they are in a really bad situation. These Buddy Bags show them they’re valued.”
Linda works with other volunteers every two weeks, stocking shelves.
“We receive deliveries and also fulfill the orders from social workers around the country – underwear, socks, sleepwear, books, toys – all the important elements of a Buddy Bag.”
Linda loves working with the volunteers. “We work hard but we have a great time. We make sure we get everything done but, at the same time, it’s a lovely team of people with a wide range of ages and backgrounds,” she said.
“We always say to each other how much we love volunteering for the Foundation, but why we do it is so sad. The demand for Buddy Bags is bigger than ever.
“COVID has seen many families under such pressure. While we are happy to help, we’re always conscious of why we do it and what that means. It’s heartbreaking. Every bag we pack represents another child in need.”
Linda is a mother to two adult children and has worked in the corporate world for many years in innovation and research for multinationals and recently as a consultant for small businesses. But with the kids self-sufficient, she has more time and her days are more flexible.
Volunteering works two ways, she said.
“There is so much satisfaction in knowing your time goes to help keep our children and young people safe from violence and trauma.
Maybe because I’m a mother, but the Foundation’s work really speaks to me.”
Every day, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation fights for the right of children to be safe, so their future is strong. Together, we can do more – there are many ways you can help.
