Many of the team at “The Where To” are very much involved in community activities. As we approach the season when many may not be as fortunate as us to enjoy the activities and experiences of the city like we can, we’ve compiled a list of some causes we support. It’s an opportunity for us to reflect and remember how valuable our time is – not just for us, but for others. It’s humbling when you realize how something so simple in your world can mean the universe for another.
SONG KITCHEN, SURRY HILLS:
Eat for a cause at this not-for-profit restaurants that supports YWCA and the work supporting women suffering domestic violence.
SONG KITCHEN has a social conscience, offering 100% of their profits to support the YWCA NSW – an organisation that helps women experiencing domestic violence. You can eat and know you’re supporting a good cause at the same time.
A new spring menu designed by new Head Chef, Elizabeth Mason, this season’s menu leaves it’s French roots behind with a re-invention of Mediterranean. The aromas of rosewater, slow cooked meats, charring of seafood, savoury and sweet flavours ripple through the new menu. We receive excellent service from our host, Shaun and it is satisfying to know every bite on meals is supporting this great cause.
Check out the new menu here:
https://www.songkitchen.com.au/menus/
RED CROSS BLOOD SERVICE:
You can save 3 lives in 5 minutes.
Photo Credit: Matt Byers
It’s a great way to keep on top of health conditions you might be at risk of, whilst also (once screened) helping those in need. Blood donations can be made into 22 types of medical treatments as well as the obvious which many of us know. The challenge is that not all of it is used within the timeframes, like for example, a plasma donation. It only has a 42 day shelf life. Freezing blood samples can costs hundreds per sample and is only usually reserved for rare blood types. Anyone between 18 to 70 years of age can donate and it can take anywhere between 5-15 minutes to donate whole blood (which can be broken down into plasma and platelets), otherwise 45-90 minutes when donating just plasma and platelets. Salty foods help increase your blood volume faster after donating and you right to go after a short 10-15 minute rest. When you’re finished, they fill you up with delicious snacks to re-supplement those bodies.
It’s an easy way to help others in need.
Finding a centre near you is simple from their site where you can learn more about eligibility
https://www.donateblood.com.au/donate#find-a-donor-centre
SYDNEY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL TOY APPEAL:
One way you can ease the difficult times of more than 140,000 families
PHOTO CREDIT: Brooklyn Events & Promotions
“Sydney Children’s Hospital gets overwhelmed with toys at Christmas time and kids are always coming and going.” says Matthew Chaina who is an advocate for mental health charities, including Kookaburra Kids. “The problem they have after Christmas, is everyone forgets about them. So being that my daughter Brooklyn’s birthday is 3 weeks after Christmas, she chose to donate some toys she received for her birthday for the kids that missed out or have their own birthday coming up and we’re doing it again next year.”
It’s a great reminder that giving back isn’t just reserved for a certain time of year as the hospital always needs toys for the children they treat suffering a variety of conditions. “It’s not much but at least it makes some kids happy. These are the values I felt are necessary to teach my 3 year old. She already knows her ABC’s, counts to 20, writes her own name and does 300 piece puzzles by herself. Not to mention she had enough toys till she’s 10!”.
Sydney Children’s hospital in Randwick treats up to 69000 kids a year, while Westmead’s Children Hospital administers to more than 80,000.
Donate to Randwick Children’s Hospital:
https://www.schf.org.au/donate?gclid=Cj0KCQjwsMDeBRDMARIsAKrOP7HjK7Br02ftKRL7ylvLH7H2WRFwzd5SdMJLjDW3ttYhQIRgIydqHkAaAmhAEALw_wcB
Donate to Westmead Children’s Hospital:
https://support.bandagedbear.org.au/SpringAppeal
TWENTY10 DROP-IN CENTRE:
A place that supports homeless youths and those without the social support they need to thrive
PHOTO CREDIT: Adrian Phoon
Often singled out for differences, the 15 to 24 year old youths that are serviced by this drop in centre have a space where they can thrive and be comfortable with themselves. In the centre is a library for young adults to understand and develop confidence in their identities, and also the base for social workers and referral services to assist with temporary accommodation, abuse and counseling services. A number of creative and performing arts programs are also run for the kids to participate in. The drop-in centre during set times, is also a place youths can access internet, shower, wash their clothes and are also provided meals. They run seasonal campaigns throughout the year collecting non-perishable items, however such goods are always useful all year round. Each year they host the Chippen Street Fete and also partake in many of the City of Sydney’s community events.
Non-perishable goods can be dropped off at their centre during business hours with prior arrangement when calling (02) 8594 9555:
1/45 Chippen Street, Chippendale
You can also make monetary donations:
https://www.twenty10.org.au/donate/
FASHION AID SYDNEY:
The charity event that brings together food, fashion and entertainment
Hyatt Regency will host Fashion Aid in November, a charity fundraiser with benefits going to the Leukhemia Foundation. Enjoy a 3 course meal and a stellar line up of entertinment. Hosted by James Mathison and Melissa Tkautz, the highlight of the evening showcasing designs by Steven Khalil, Nicola Finetti, Brent Wilson, Silviya Neri, TAND Swimwear, and Levendi Jewellers.
Tickets start from $450 for this black tie event.
24th November – 7pm
Hyatt Regency
Buy tickets here:
https://tickets.fashionaid.com.au/event/FashionAid—Sydney
Joseph Lloyd, Contributor